BONNIE Doon seniors drew first blood with a goal from Matt Vasey when they hit the field on the Benalla All Black home ground on Saturday.
All Blacks equalised the scored just five minutes later in what was shaping up to be a close encounter.
The man mountain Matt Stevenson looked strong up forward, presenting a huge target for the running Dogs.
All Blacks Panthers began to win more of the contested ball and broke clear late in the first quarter.
The All Blacks were content to protect their lead.
Judd Darby and Hayden Floate were just as determined to erode it.
Todd Heaysman ran hard to provide the forwards with scoring options.
However, Tom Webster's radar was off a touch allowing the status quo to remain at half time.
Simon Powell and Ben Trenfield worked tirelessly to repel the Panther's attacks.
Unfortunately Bonnie Doon couldn't get the ball beyond teir half forward line, working into the stiff breeze.
The All Blacks, using that breeze, extrapolated their lead to a match-winning position.
Then the rain came.
Benalla All Blacks were full of confidence and continued to overrun Bonnie Doon in the final term.
The Dogs were under pressure with every possession, in turn affecting every disposal, giving no reward for effort.
Bonnie Doon was allowed a couple of goals towards the end of the game, but these didn't make a difference.
By - CRAIG NICHOLS.
ON HIS OWN: Bonnie Doon's Ethan Turvey playing in his first season for the Dogs is left on his own during a recent match.
PHOTO: Pam Zierk-Mahoney
Last Modified on 25/07/2012 17:01