Bernard's Beginnings: Thrilling Round 1 Victory After Siren Drama
The air crackled with anticipation at Melbourne University Oval, as the St Bernard's faithful gathered for their Round 1 clash against Uni Blues. A strong and dedicated pre-season had built a sense of excitement around the club, and this opening match was seen as a crucial opportunity to lay down a marker for the 2025 season. The hard yards put in over the summer were about to be tested.
From the first bounce, the game lived up to its billing as a fierce arm wrestle. Neither side was willing to give an inch, with contested possessions and tight defensive structures dominating the early exchanges. Scoring opportunities were hard-earned, and the scoreboard reflected the intense nature of the contest, remaining stubbornly close. Every tackle was met with equal force, and every attempted run was quickly shut down.
As the game wore on, the seesawing battle continued. St Bernard's would edge ahead, only to see Uni Blues respond with their own period of dominance. Going into the final quarter, the tension was almost unbearable. The scoreboard showed a slender margin, with the leading team never able to establish a buffer of more than a handful of points at each break. The players knew that this would be a true test of their resilience and determination.
The last quarter commenced with the same ferocity that had characterised the entire match. Uni Blues, sensing the importance of a round one victory themselves, lifted their intensity. Midway through the quarter, they launched an attack, kicking three unanswered goals in quick succession. The momentum had shifted, and suddenly St Bernard's found themselves trailing by five points with time ticking away.
The final ten minutes felt like an eternity for both players and supporters. Every contest was crucial, every kick vital. St Bernard's, however, dug deep, embodying the fighting spirit that coach Steve Alessio had instilled in them throughout the pre-season. They continued to battle relentlessly, refusing to let their heads drop despite the late setback.
Then, with just five seconds left on the clock, a moment of pure drama unfolded. A wayward kick out of the Uni Blues defence hung in the air, seemingly destined for safety. But out of nowhere, Joey Agresta, an often unsung hero of the team, positioned himself perfectly to take a crucial mark. The siren sounded as walked back to take his kick.
A hush fell over the ground. All eyes were on Agresta as he lined up for the shot after the siren, the weight of the game resting on his shoulders. The kick felt like it took an age to travel through the air, the crowd holding its collective breath. And then, the roar erupted. The ball sailed cleanly through the big sticks, securing a memorable and dramatic victory for St Bernard's.
The scenes that followed were of pure elation. Players embraced, and the fans erupted in cheers as they flooded the oval.
It was the perfect way for St Bernard's to kick off their 2025 campaign, a testament to their hard work, their never-say-die attitude, and the impact of coaches unwavering message all pre-season. This Round 1 thriller will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment early in the season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year for the club.
