GVL | Hot start hands Seymour victory over Benalla

Seymour surged to a five-goal lead at the initial break and though Benalla rallied to close the margin in the following quarters, it proved an assignment which just evaded the Saints’ grasp at the death.

“We were able to get the jump on them a bit in the first quarter and get a really good start that way,” Seymour coach Ben Davey said.

“There was a breeze which we had in the first quarter and we probably took advantage a bit of that as well.

“In the second half they reorganised and came back pretty hard and it was an even contest.”

After a plea to up the intensity at quarter-time, Benalla shocked itself into life.

The Saints’ midfield paired with Wade King’s speed began to get things clicking, but continual pressure around the ball from Seymour kept Benalla chasing a four-goal deficit for the majority of the clash.

Josh Mellington popped up with a few late majors to get the home fans cheering, but the Lions held nerve to clinch the four points.

While Davey lauded a team effort, Michael Hartley was a force down back for Seymour, as was Lachlan Waite in the forward line.

In reaction to the loss, Benalla co-coach Will Martiniello rued the opening quarter, but dug out a number of positive points to take forward.

“Obviously the start of the game really cost us in the end, to be five goals down at quarter-time and lose the game by 21, it probably shows we just didn’t start as a group,” he said.

“It’s disappointing because the progress was made during the pre-season from last year to this year and we’re pretty confident about our team.

“We still are positive about the year and it’s only one game in, but I think we want to stop avoiding saying honourable losses from now on. Hopefully those tighter games like we had on Friday can be turned into wins.”