EFFORT: Harley Ryan was one of few winners for Myrtleford.

Second half snooze sees Bulldogs cruise to victory

A SECOND half fade-out resulted in the Myrtleford Saints getting comprehensively beaten by Wodonga last Saturday in a game that promised plenty before the first bounce.

The 65-point loss came after the Saints were down by only two at half time, having got themselves back into the match at John Flower Oval.

In the first half, it was a game marred by turnovers as neither side could produce their best footy, but it was the Saints clawing back to be almost level and back in the hunt, thanks to a couple of late goals against the flow.

The third quarter belonged to Bulldogs coach Ben Hollands, who ripped four goals in a purple patch that took the game away from Myrtleford.

It didn’t help that the Saints midfielders became unaccountable, content to run forward but not man up when the Bulldogs had control of the ball, and were punished for it.

And the backline pressure also waned, allowing too many easy shots on goal from the home team.

Losing Matt Taberner and Lee Dale following a small skirmish didn’t help the cause, the pair yellow carded in the third quarter, leaving the Saints two players short.

Down by 29 points at the last break, the Saints could only manage two goals while the Bulldogs were off the leash, scoring eight.

Two players stood out for the Saints.

Harley Ryan was in blistering touch and his rebound and drive was a big factor in the Saints getting back into the match in the second quarter and Nathan Cossignani was tenacious in attack on a day when the key forwards were subdued.

Sidelined Saints captain Matt Spencer said the loss was "extremely disappointing", especially considering the team was a real chance to come away with a win.

"It didn’t seem like we got out of first gear for most of the match," Spencer said.

"We started moving the ball a lot better in the second quarter and we looked like we were building.