A windy and cold Saturday morning in Blighty saw the Berrigan fourths take on Katunga in the qualifying final in the Picola and District Football Netball league.
In what quickly became a tightly contested and extremely low scoring game, the Berrigan Saints were sadly on the wrong end of a two point upset.
The Saints were slow to get going, struggling to play with their usual confidence-filled, no second-guessing style.
Ball movement was slow due to extreme tackling pressure from both sides.
The Saints picked up in the second half after some position changes allowed our players more freedom across the ground.
After starting the game in the backline, Jack Phillips was moved forward and became an instant option inside fifty.
Jack’s leading patterns and skills were flawless, giving himself and his teammates more opportunities in the forward line.
At the other end of the field, Kaleb Litchfield was irreplaceable. He played on forwards much larger than himself.
Kaleb has incredible strength in proportion to his frame, which allowed him to out power opponents to headline a backline that was under siege most of the first half.
Harley Cooper was the perfect touch of class the Saints needed to get them back into the game.
The top age midfielder has the innate ability to always find time and space no matter the severity of the situation.
The cleanliness and poise of his game is almost unheard of for a player his age paired along with a pin point kicking leg.
Harley is a dangerous footballing weapon.
Luckily, due to their top seeding on the ladder, the young Saints have a second chance this coming Saturday as they travel to Waaia to take on Tungamah in the semi final.
If the boys can find their rhythm, it will be a sight to see.
Final score: Berrigan 1.3 (9) def by Katunga 1.5 (11).
Goal: L Whelan.
Best: K Litchfield, T Thornton, H Cooper, Z Binns, N Arnold, L Whelan.