IT has been a long 12 months but Benalla finally got redemption for last year's grand final defeat when it overcame a gallant Tarrawingee by eight points to claim the OandK thirds premiership on Saturday morning.
Heading into the match red-hot favorites, Benalla was unable to get its running game going as an in-form Bulldogs unit put the pressure on from the start.
The Panthers edged ahead at quarter time but inaccurate kicking saw them drop three points behind the Bulldogs at the main break.
However, a four goal to nothing third term proved the catalyst for the win as while the Bulldogs fought back hard in the final term, the Panthers did enough to scrape home 8.12 (60) to 7.10 (52).
"The pressure was on, Tarrawingee did a fantastic job," Benalla coach Daniel Preston said.
"The third quarter we capitalised on our opportunities, the midfield I thought was pretty even but our guys seemed to stand up and take possession when it counted."
Preston paid tribute to senior players Cody Taylor and Sam Schneider and was pleased with how the group responded to being challenged.
"The going got tough and a number of players stood up," he said.
"Cody Taylor stood up when he needed to.
"Sam Schneider was great.
"That's been a key to our success this year we haven't relied on the one player.
"We knew we would have to rotate because they wouldn't be able to run out the full game."
Preston said the Bulldogs' ability to fight back in the final quarter made for some nervous moments, however, he said the aim was to remain calm so he could make the right decisions.
"I couldn't feel my legs and the trainer said she could see my pulse pumping in my neck," he said.
"What we tried to make was that there was calmness on the bench and we weren't barracking as such.
"We had to make the best decisions possible and I think we did that."
While there had to be a loser on the day, Tarrawingee coach Bert Griffin was a proud coach after the final siren.
"To come from where they are having 10, 11 blokes to play in a final like this, you couldn't ask for much more," he said.
"They had some chances but that's footy we just march on to next year."
By - JEREMY WILSON.
19/09/2011.
www.nenews.com.au
NUMBER ONE: Benalla's thirds team get excited after their premiership win.
Last Modified on 19/09/2011 15:34