It was a day for milestones when Berrigan hosted the Rovers on Saturday.
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Harley Middleton notched up his 150th senior game for the Saints, in his first game back from a carry-over injury from the cricket season.
He was impactful and another target in our forward half, and it was great to see him out on the home deck.
In another massive achievement, first year thirds player Jordan Swann made his debut for the senior Saints and loved every minute of his inclusion.
There will be plenty more to come from both of these lads.
The match was as tightly contested as predicted, with multiple lead changes.
The Saints were in front at the end of the first quarter.
It was an even game on the scoreboard and the deck from half time, and much of the third quarter.
Berrigan had more opportunity in front of goal, but unfortunately did not capitalise.
The Rovers ran over the top in the end, but not without plenty of grit from the Saints and bravado from the usual suspects - Jackson Hourigan, Fraser Haintz, Jay Harmes, Jake Dalgliesh.
Key messaging from coach Nick Manley in his post game address was to head back to the track and continue to strive, challenge and be prepared, with another tough contest in the pipeline for the coming week.
Final score: Berrigan 11.12 (78) def by Deni Rovers 14.12 (96).
Reserves
A few injuries from previous weeks left our reserves a little undermanned.
The Saints’ back half had a hard day at the office and didn't shy away from the challenge.
Ayden Good was the only goalscorer for the side, and battled hard all day.
Nick Arnold and Alex Park were put to task and delivered as best they could against a polished counterpart, earning themselves top accolades for their relentless efforts.
Rob Ryan was a handy inclusion for the week. He will bolster the side in the next week, alongside a couple of other in form teammates who are due back in.
Final score: Berrigan 1.3 (9) def by Deni Rovers 16.10 (106).
Thirds
The thirds were our only side to take the four points on Saturday, holding strong for the Saints.
This side is going from strength-to-strength each week, and were up for the challenge they knew the Rovers were going to be.
The Saints really hit the straps in the second term, kicking 4.2.
Credit to the Saints’ back half who kept the Rovers scoreless in the second and fourth quarters.
Nick Arnold had another stellar performance on the track, earning himself the Saints’ best.
He found the footy and was relentless across the back half and from the middle delivering the footy with ease and accuracy into our forward half.
Jordan Swann also notched up another top tier game adding a further three majors to his tally.
Kaleb ‘Clutch’ Litchfield continues to impress at either end of the ground.
Final score: Berrigan 7.7 (49) def Deni Rovers 3.2 (20).
Fourths
A close one for our youngest Saints.
They battled hard all day and supported one another across the entire ground.
Levi Jakeman kicked two for the match and was well supported by Jack ‘JP’ Phillips, who is consistent as ever and leading the side well. He added a single major to his tally.
Hudson ‘Huddy’ Daniels also snagged a single major for the Saints.
Dustin ‘Dusty’ Ryan had a hard day through the middle and forward half, but rose to the occasion.
He was impactful for his Saints side, earning best on accolades alongside JP - another reliable recipient.
Final score: Berrigan 4.4 (28) def by Deni Rovers 4.10 (34).