Another Lesson in Heartbreak as St Bernard’s Left Wondering ‘What If’?

There comes a point in every season where results only tell part of the story. Last Saturday saw just a two-point defeat to Old Haileybury but it wasn't just another loss on the ladder. It was another chapter in a season that continues to test the resolve of a playing group giving everything, yet repeatedly walking away with nothing to show for it.

Just the week earlier St Bernard’s had gone toe-to-toe with Old Xaverians in front of a packed Past Players Luncheon crowd. They fell by just four points, but the performance left supporters with pride rather than frustration. It was the type of loss that reaffirmed St Bernard's belonged in A - Grade football.

This week was a similar tale where it wasn’t lack of effort or commitment that cost the team, but because another opportunity slipped through the club's fingers.

The lead-up to this game suggested there would be little separating the two sides. Both teams had battled to generate consistent forward entries throughout the season, both had struggled with ball use under pressure, and both had been involved in more close finishes than they would have liked.

The numbers pointed towards a contest that would be decided by composure and unfortunately for St Bernard’s, that's exactly how it unfolded.

The opening half was an arm wrestle in every sense of the word. Momentum changed hands almost by the minute, with neither side able to establish complete control and both having strong and weak passages of play. 

St Bernard's ability to generate attacking opportunities has been a strength throughout the season. The next step is maximising those chances, with the final kick inside 50 often proving the difference between a dangerous scoring opportunity and a turnover. Sharpening that connection could unlock another level in the side's offence.

Football can be a cruel game and you don't always get rewarded for effort. Despite that, the back six continued to stand tall. 

Marcus Holland's return from injury couldn't have been more timely. His pace immediately added another dimension to the defence, while his willingness to take the game on helped launch repeated attacks from half-back. 

Through the midfield, Charlie Vague embodied the standards expected of the football club. Leading St Bernard's players for disposals, he continually threw himself into the contest and refused to let the game drift away. 

Fergus McNicol built on last week's outstanding performance with another influential display. His three-goals only told part of the story. His physical presence, contested marking and ability to compete brought others into the game.

Nicholas Conlan once again embraced the role asked of him by coach Steve Alessio, producing another selfless performance. Whether shutting down his direct opponent or pushing up the ground, Conlan covered an enormous distance throughout the afternoon.

When St Bernard's entered the final quarter with a one-goal advantage, there was a cautious optimism around the ground.  It was a simple goal, the boys had to finish the game. 

However Old Haileybury stormed out of the blocks, kicking four unanswered goals in the opening 20 minutes of the final term. Suddenly the confidence that had been building disappeared, replaced by the all-too-familiar feeling that another close game was slipping away.

Then, just when it looked over, Matthew Watson reminded everyone why he has become one of the competition's most dangerous forwards. Three goals in three breathtaking minutes and just like that, hope had returned.

Watson's afternoon was simply outstanding. His forward presence proved almost impossible to contain, while his calm finishing under pressure gave St Bernard's every chance of stealing an unlikely victory as he slotted 6 for the day.

For a fleeting moment, the impossible looked possible but football doesn't always offer fairy-tale endings. Without winning the crucial centre clearance, St Bernard’s couldn't manufacture one final forward entry and Old Haileybury managed the dying moments and another opportunity disappeared with the final siren.The final score was 68 to 66, and for the second week in a row, St Bernard’s lost by under a goal. 

As the reality of relegation edges closer, it's impossible not to replay the season's defining moments. Old Trinity, Old Scotch, Old Xaverians and now, Old Haileybury. Four games that had all been decided by the finest of margins. Four games where one kick, one mark or one cleaner passage of play could have rewritten the season. 

Coach Steve Alessio addressed his players after the game with a message that reflected the character of this football club. There will be no excuses, there will be no dropping heads, there will be no accepting that the season is over. Instead, the challenge is to honour the jumper over the final four weeks, to continue representing the club and to finish the season with the same pride and commitment that has never left this group.

Unfortunately, results haven't reflected the effort and the ladder hasn't rewarded the fight. The season's story hasn't been the one St Bernard's wanted to write at the start of this year, but there are still four chapters remaining. Fill the Snake Pit, get behind the boys, and make sure they know they won't be fighting alone.

 

SCORES
Old Haileybury 4.2 26 7.4 46 9.7 61 13.10 88 

ST Bernards 3.1 19 6.4 40 10.8 68 13.8 86

 

BEST 

Old Haileybury Brede Seccull, Hugo Nosiara, Jack Bell, Brodie Findlay, Joel Lasscock, Olli Hotton

ST Bernards Matthew Watson, Marcus Holland, Fergus McNicol, Charlie Vague, Nicholas Conlan, Dylan Gwynne.

 

GOALS 

Old Haileybury B. Seccull 3, H. Nosiara 2, J. Bell 2, J.Blight 2, B. Yates 2, C.Goonewardene 2

ST Bernards M. Watson 6, F.McNicol 3, L. Said, D. Gilham, F. Shannon, C.Vague 

 

Written by Hannah Juricskay