A tough team selection on Thursday night resulted with a list of outs almost as long as the list of active players.
Nevertheless, a Berrigan side still took the field against Katandra on Saturday and it showed plenty of spirit.
Jack Andison refused to go down easily, putting on an all-time performance nailing five goals to keep a fire burning within the Saints’ side.
Jake ‘Doug’ Beams outmatched opponents left and right, pulling from a deep bag of footballing wizardry to continue his top pedigree performance.
Time seemed to have no restraint on Berrigan veteran Adam Fox, who turned back the clock multiple years to find himself back in the seniors side. The cult figure played an outstanding game, helping the team stay composed and go back to basics.
Every touch from Fox was followed by an eruptive roar from the men at the “Hill bar” especially when he snagged a perfect goal.
Levi Middleton never seems to give up. A relentless midfielder renowned for his second, third, fourth and possibly fifth efforts, Middleton, with his see-ball get-ball style, racked up many possessions, often knocking over opponents as no-one could get between him and the footy.
The all-around valiant effort was a true testament to the character of the assembled players as they battled all day in a tough loss.
Hopefully with the bye this weekend, the side can rally some more players to the track.
Final score: Berrigan 9.3 (57) lost to Katandra 17.7 (109).
You know it’s going to be a tough day when you have five of your best regular reserves players named in the seniors side and many more declaring themselves “unavailable”, but the Berrigan reserves coach scrambled at the last minute to hit the oval with 20 players.
To say it was a tough game is an understatement.
Katandra presented a youthful, skilful and speedy team, one the Saints fought all game long but couldn’t reign supreme.
The skill, experience and fitness of Craig Thornton and Noel Baxter shone through like beacons but even these two stalwarts of the reserves team could not stem the flow of Katandra goals.
Alex Park, Adam Fox, Chris Binion and Craig Glanville were among the best on the day.
With a weekend to rest, hopefully the team can re-group and re-coup to top form.
Final score: Berrigan 1.3 (9) lost to Katandra 15.12 (102).
If determination and team spirit were all that was required to win, Berrigan’s thirds team would be top of the ladder.
Sadly this is not all that is needed.
Caleb Thornton shook off the cobwebs to play a fantastic game against Katandra, aptly supported by ring-in Carson Way.
Jeremy Packer kicked a goal and showed he was ready for the step up to thirds next year.
Charlie Baxter, Matt Everingham, Hamish Cameron, Xavier Fox and Zac Ferguson were among the better players on the team, however all players put in 100 per cent this week.
A big shout out to Fox, who this week played three games of footy and bagged a few awards to make it all worthwhile.
Final score: Berrigan 2.3 (15) lost to Katandra 22.17 (149).
The tables finally turned for the Saints as the fourths took home the four points against Katandra in the club’s only win for the day.
With nine players contributing to the goal tally, the young Saints really shared it around.
It was good to see Jack Phillips among the multiple goal-kickers, scoring three big ones, while Harley Cooper bagged two.
Jeremy Packer led the team well and was rewarded with great support from Jack Magill, Joshua Monteith, Farron Urrutia and Jordan Swan.
Final score: Berrigan 13.8 (86) d Katandra 0.2 (2).
12°C