With a few handy acquisitions and players returning from injury the Berrigan side was ready to face the Deni Rovers in their Picola League match.
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With an uncharacteristic slow start for the Saints, Deniliquin jumped to an early lead.
With plenty of feeling in the game, heated altercations began. It was not to the detriment of Berrigan however, as they clawed their way back after a riveting quarter-time speech from coach Justin Hoggan.
Adam Way proved pivotal in dragging the Saints back into the game, consistently dropping off his opponents to intercept the footy.
Way was a brick wall across the Berrigan half back line, leaving his ruck position to put an end to Deniliquin’s hot run.
The next three quarters were dominated by the Saints in all areas beside one, the scoreboard.
Berrigan was struggling to convert on goal scoring opportunities and the game slipped away.
Lochie Schifferle proved his worth week returning for his first game post injury. He dominated the wing using his bigger body and surprising athleticism to crash through packs.
Hamish Cameron shook off some early hits to put together an impressive performance. He became somewhat of a ‘clearance king’ as he would frequently rip the footy from congestion and get it on the boot into open space.
Beau Cummins and Patrick Waugh made their seniors debut for the Saints with Jarren Osborn also joining them with his first game of the year.
These boys all proved themselves worthy of the seniors nod.
The Saints will be sure to improve on their goal kicking next week as they look towards the big clash at home against Rennie.
Final score: Deni Rovers 7.8 (50) def Berrigan 2.19 (31).
Berrigan Saints reserves were beaten by the Deni Rovers in a one-sided affair on Saturday.
Try as they did, there was no stopping the Rovers as they kicked their way to a demanding lead.
Stu Pyle once again tried to turn the clock back, accurately punching away many a ball from the forwards’ hands. He was ably assisted by Rob Ryan, who played his first game for 2023.
Ryan’s fiery, take no prisoners game left many Deni players looking over their shoulder waiting for the next bump, knock or tackle.
Henry Zorzer is fast becoming indispensable to the reserves team, showing his versatility and determination for the third week in a row.
Young thirds player Caleb Thornton was up to the tough task, displaying his confident ball play and ‘in your face’ defensive tactics.
Overall, the Saints worked hard for four quarters but were unable to match the speed and precision of the Deni side.
Final score: Deni Rovers 15.15 (105) def Berrigan 1.0 (6).
The Saints thirds played a difficult game against the well-oiled, perfectly tuned Deni Rovers team.
It was great to see Patrick Waugh come into the thirds side for the game.
Waugh, a past Berrigan fourths player, bought his ‘A’ game with him. He is an unforgiving midfielder that reads the play extremely well. Waugh punished all Deni players that dared come within tackling range.
His speed and deft moves assisted his teammates in clearing the ball from the centre and moving it forward.
The Saints’ backline displayed an incredible work rate especially Caleb Thornton and Archie Cameron, but they were unable to stem the consistent barrage of goals peppered in from the Deni forwards.
Other players to shine on an otherwise cloudy day were Xavier Fox, Charlton Baxter, Seth Lawrence and Jeremy Packer.
Final score: Deni Rovers 17.14 (116) def Berrigan 2.6 (18).
The young Saints who make up the fourths side looked a little out of sorts in the first quarter against the worthy opponents that were Deniliquin.
In a tightly contested first quarter, the Berrigan backline was given a good test and they continue to stand the test of time.
Kaleb Litchfield and Jack Smith have shown immense improvement down back from last season.
Both boys have been pillars to the Berrigan side troubling the oppositions best key forwards.
After the first quarter, the Saints began to find their rhythm with Jackson Tooke and Lachy Whelan combining for a deadly ruck, midfield duo that gave the Berrigan forwards first use of the footy.
Once this youthful squad starts rolling, it’s a very hard outfit to stop.
And keep rolling on they did. They dominated the game, kicking seven goals in the final three quarters.
A perfect display of determination and teamwork allowed the boys to get the win they desired.
Final score: Deni Rovers 2.8 (20) def by Berrigan 7.8 (50).
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