Berrian's Xavier Fox leaps up in the ruck contest.
Taking the field this week, the Berrigan Saints were full of hope as they prepared to take on Deniliquin Rovers on their home ground.
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The Saints were out scored early and it quickly became a game of catch up for the Berrigan boys as Deniliquin were able to convert in front of goals with regularity. Unfortunately, the Saints weren’t able to match the Rovers and were handed a loss that was tough to swallow.
Even in a loss every team still has their players that shine above the rest. Dylan Sibraa was one of these players as his determination and Saints’ spirit couldn’t be broken. Sibraa found himself higher up the ground than usual and excelled at out-muscling his opponent and willing the ball towards the Saints goal.
Lochie Schifferle was back to his best after missing last week’s game. With the size of a key forward and the speed of a wingman he is a tough match up.
Grant Martin continued his extremely impressive run of form as he was once again listed in Berrigan’s best. Martin is a leader and controls the back six, making it a hard day’s work for any opposing forwards.
It was not the outcome the Saints had hoped for, but they held their head high as they came off the ground knowing they had given it their all.
Final score: Berrigan 5.5 (35) def by Deni Rovers 17.13 (115).
Berrigan's Dylan Sibraa was one of the Saints' best.
Reserves:
The Berrigan Reserves came into the game with an unknown outcome as they took on one of the premier teams in the league in Deniliquin Rovers. The Saints’ supporters were pleasantly surprised when Berrigan got off to a great start with every player putting in 100 per cent effort.
After a back-and-forth scoreline for the first three quarters the Deni Rovers eventually pulled away in the final term. Spirits were high in the Berrigan rooms after the game despite the loss as it showed just what this side is capable of if they can keep up with one of the top sides.
Troy Poynton was instrumental in this surge as he kicked the first goal of the day and then scored another goal later in the game. Henry Zorzer was welcomed back to the side with open arms as his presence and tackling pressure was much needed in the Saints’ midfield and he played a terrific four quarters of football.
Miles Curtin played his best game of the year as his second and third efforts were commendable as well as providing a safe set of hands for the Saints to target. The Saints now look toward next week’s game against Katandra.
Final score: Berrigan 5.4 (34) def by Deni Rovers 12.9 (81).
Fourths:
The fourths looked to stamp their dominance on the Picola League competition as they were set to face third on the ladder Deniliquin Rovers. The young Saints did just that with another dominating performance seeing them win by an enormous 59 point margin after only conceding a single point for the whole game.
Caleb Anderson was massive for the Saints as his clean skills and elite composure were evident throughout the game where he was most dominant across the half forward line where he ensured clean delivery to the Berrigan forwards time and time again.
Kaleb Litchfield has made huge strides this year as he not only continues his lockdown defensive role from last season but has added another valuable asset to his chest of tricks in elite ball use and follow up work.
Young Patrick Arnold’s tackling pressure and relentless nature was on display up forward as he even managed to kick himself into the game with a fantastic goal.
Another excellent display of junior football for the Saints as they remain unbeaten and grow their absurdly large percentage advantage.
Final score: Berrigan 9.6 (60) def Deni Rovers 0.1 (1).