The Blighty boys really wanted to give their all for the past players at Saturday’s reunion, and their endeavour for the football was there however it was a terrific day out for the Berrigan seniors culminating in another big win for the Saints.
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On the receiving end this week was the Blighty Football Club as the Saints finished with a 129-point winning margin.
Chris Nield was unstoppable for Berrigan inside the Saints forward 50 and ended the game with an astounding 12 goals coming from a variety of snaps, set shots and various others forms of kicking.
Joining Nield at the top of the goal kickers was red hot Keith Tallent who added another six goals to his already impressive season tally of 25.
Further up the ground, Lochie Conboy was back to his best consistently turning on the jets to leave the Blighty tacklers in his dust.
Xavier Fox stepped up massively this week for the Saints and battled hard all day in the ruck ensuring his midfielders had first use of the ball.
Ayden Good and Oliver Hill both impressed in their senior debuts as well.
It was a great job by the Berrigan Saints as they move on to a massive clash this weekend against rivals Jerilderie in a night game.
Unfortunately, some terrible injury luck left Blighty down multiple players early.
The group rallied and while the effort was there, the scoreboard did not reflect it.
Blighty will regroup and look to bounce back next week.
Best on ground for Blighty went to Zak Thomson, Nash Suckling, Jack Michael, Sam Singleton, Rusty Milward and Jordy Priestley.
Final score: Blighty 5.4 (34) def by Berrigan 23.25 (163).
Reserves:
The Berrigan Reserves ran out on the ground a bit light on number but certainly not light on talent.
The Saints took on Blighty and wanted to leave no doubts that they are the real deal.
The Saints dominated all game, winning by a massive 108 points.
Troy Poynton dominated up forward ending with an impressive six goals followed closely by Ged Towler who wound back the clock and showed he still has it with five goals.
Tom Baxter stepped up from the thirds and had a blinder, putting his body on the line for his team and willing the ball forward in a great performance.
Midfielders Henry Zorzer and Noel Baxter worked well in tandem with ruck man Nick Arnold as the three played great football all day with not many rotations.
Youngster Ayden Good continues to prove incredibly valuable and consistent with his pace and ability to get scores on the board.
For Blighty it was fantastic to see so many past players and members there to support the reserves on Saturday.
Their presence reminds the teams of the history, pride, and tradition that we represent every time they pull on the jumper.
Blighty faced a very classy side, and although the result didn’t fall the Redeyes way, they could be proud of the effort the boys put in.
They worked hard from the first bounce to the final siren, and showed real signs of growth.
It was especially pleasing to see the group starting to work together more, supporting each other both with and without the ball.
That’s what Blighty is building towards, and it was evident.
Blighty’s best on ground went to George Reid, Josh Lindberg and Billy Lawes - who both put in outstanding performance on the field with the rest of the team - and Nick Pells.
Final score: Blighty 1.2 (8) def by Berrigan 17.14 (116).
Fourths:
Blighty came up against a very well drilled Berrigan team.
Blighty’s first quarter was very pleasing with all players lifting. Logan Marshall and Andrew Frost put in big efforts in the centre, running and chasing the ball.
In the second quarter, Blighty lost their way and Berrigan took control of the game.
Some of the highlights of the game were Ruby Gordon taking some great marks and Seth Fuess playing in the centre, and pushing back into fullback.
It was great to have Hugh Hovenden coming up from the fifths.
Best on field was Hudson Kelly, who played his best game so far. He was leading by example chasing the ball and putting some good tackles in.
Charlie Tremble may have found his position in the back line. It was good to see him take some good defensive marks.
Degan Morgan was given many positions and was always putting 100 per cent effort in.
Lilly Petersen played three great quarters in ruck. It is a great effort, considering she already played a full game of netball.
Laura McManus played her third game with Blighty, and is continuing to improve. It is a great personal achievement.
Final score: Blighty (0) def by Berrigan 26.20 (176).
Fifths:
These kids showed spirit and love for the sport.
Berrigan are struggling with numbers but don’t want to stop their own from playing.
The Blighty kids stepped up to even up the numbers, even though there were a few unavailable.
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