With the Cats losing two players to injury before halftime and another after it, coach John Lamont said he was proud of his troops for fighting the match out to the end as Mooroopna held on to win 9.8 (62) to 6.11 (47).
“There was a lot of fatigue out there as it was a high tempo game, especially early,” Lamont said.
“I'm proud of their effort to hang on - that was really pleasing.
“We showed some character and dug deep.
“Without a doubt, that was the most pleasing part.”
Chris Nield was a standout for the Cats, kicking four goals in the low-scoring affair, while Matt Gorman, Isaac Dowling and Kai Madgwick stood out.
Liam Betson, Matt Deane and Jordan Formica were the three players to not see out the game, with all suffering leg injuries, however, Lamont was unsure of the severity at this stage.
“They will all need scans,” he said.
“When they can’t get back out on the ground, there is obviously some severity to the injuries.”
Lamont said the victory provided his young group with some belief going forward.
“It gives us a bit of belief in each other, in the game plan and the direction we are going and it shows us that if we stick to it, it gives us a chance.”
Despite being only a game outside the eight, Benalla now sits in ninth position.
Nick Warnock and Darcy Laffy kicked two goals each for the Saints, while Will Martiniello also stood out.
Next week, the Cats head to Deakin Reserve to take on Shepparton in a game they will go in as the favourites, while the Saints host the Magpies, who are coming off a win against Echuca.
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