BRIGHT'S tough start to the Ovens and King Football League season continued on the weekend, with comprehensive losses to Benalla at Pioneer Park in all three grades.
The senior side, which is blooding a young squad in the early stages of the year, went down to the All Blacks by 61 points.
But, while the final margin suggests the match was a one sided affair, the Mountain Men were wasteful in front of goal, having only six less shots on goal than the visitors.
When they managed to kick straight, they had an even spread of goalkickers with Chris Healy (3), Tom McDonagh (3), Michael Sullivan and Ricky Weimer (2) all sharing the load for the side.
Weimer was a standout performer on Saturday after a limited pre-season, and he will only get better with more games under his belt.
Nick Howden is also proving he's not just going to have an impact for the side up forward with a solid performance in the middle alongside coach Ryan Kent, while Sean McGregor and Cully Hall were gallant in defence.
BRIGHT'S reserves side struggled to continue its impressive start to the season, going down by 91 points.
With a number of changes made to the line-up, which almost knocked off reigning premier Milawa last week, Tracy Culhane's side couldn't match it with the All Blacks.
But while the first three quarters were disappointing, the Mountain Men hit their straps in the final term, kicking three goals to finish the match on a positive note.
Josh Grundy kicked three majors and Darcy Martin stepped up from the under 18s to chip in with a goal to finish a tiring day.
Lee Rowe, Mitch Tesoriero and newcomer Greg Larwood were impressive for the Mountain Men.
IN the under 18s, a poor start to the game dashed the Alpine Eagles' hopes of victory over Benalla, as the Panthers started the match with intent.
They took a 48-point lead into the first break, but to the Eagles' credit they didn't let the game blow out.
In the second half the Eagles kicked six goals, while keeping the Panthers to just three, with the final margin 46 points.
Skipper Ryland Jordan kicked three last quarter goals, Nick Lebish was impressive in the ruck, while Nathan Smith, Joseph Paterson and Damien Jenvey put in solid four quarter efforts.
By - ALEX BAIRD.
STANDOUT: Ricky Weimer was Bright's best player on the weekend, and will only get better after a limited pre-season.
Last Modified on 27/04/2012 08:27