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Brave Fightback Falls Short Against Old Haileybury

Heading into Saturday’s Round 8 clash, anticipation was high. Old Haileybury, fresh off their 2024 B Grade premiership, had hit the Premier division with pace and purpose—bringing strong early-season form. For St Bernard’s, this was more than just a contest; it was a chance to measure up.

From the first bounce, it was clear both teams were ready for a scrap. The opening quarter was a genuine arm wrestle, with the Snowdogs edging the contest in possession and territory. However, while St Bernard’s were winning the ball, converting it into quality inside 50s proved challenging—and Old Haileybury were ruthless on the counter. Their slick ball movement and end-to-end transition punished every turnover.

Despite the pressure, Bernard’s stayed in the fight. Blow for blow, the first half was a high-pressure, high-stakes contest. But as the second and third quarters unfolded, Haileybury began to assert their influence. Their leg speed and spread across the ground began to open the game up. Though the Bernard’s pressure didn’t drop, Haileybury simply capitalised better, gradually building a six-goal buffer by three-quarter time.

Down by 36 points, many sides may have let the game slip. But not this group.

What followed in the final term was an emphatic statement. With grit, heart, and hunger, Bernard’s surged with six final-quarter goals to Haileybury’s two, turning the game on its head and reigniting belief. Charlie Vague’s return proved vital—his strength in the contest and composure with ball in hand helped drive the comeback. Karan Bharathi again impressed with relentless pressure and clean touches, while Dylan Gwynne added poise and physicality in defence.

But the standout was Luke Said. From siren to siren, Said epitomised the St Bernard’s spirit—fearless, ferocious, and everywhere. He broke lines, shrugged tackles, and willed his teammates forward in a performance that demanded recognition.

Ultimately, the clock beat the comeback. The final siren sounded with Bernard’s just 12 points adrift in a 93–81 loss, but with heads held high. The final term showed the grit and potential of a group not done yet.


Old Haileybury 4.3 (27) | 7.6 (48) | 12.8 (80) | 14.9 (93)
St Bernard’s 3.3 (21) | 5.4 (34) | 6.6 (42) | 12.9 (81)


Goals

Old Haileybury: H.Nosiara 1, A.Stefanakis 1, J.Docking 1, H.Jones 3, C.Goonewardene 3, C.Harrop 1, M. Kirkwood-Scott 2, C.Riley 1, L.Gilliam 1

St Bernard’s: M. Watson 3, C. Vague 2, N. Conlan 2, L. Di Lizio, T. Sullivan, L. Said, F. McNicol, L. Papley


Best

Old Haileybury: Mitchell Kirkwood-Scott, William Paul, James Connell, Maxwell Sievers, Connor Riley, Harrison Jones

St Bernard’s: Luke Said, Karan Bharathi, Charlie Vague, Dylan Gwynne, Dominic Sullivan, Fergus McNicol


The bye now comes at the perfect time. A week to reset, recover, and gear up for a huge return to the Snakepit in Round 9—where we’ll take on University Blues in front of our Past Players during a special luncheon event. It’s set to be a big day for the club, on and off the field.

Written by: Hannah Juricskay