St Bernard’s Fall Short in Thriller Against Old Trinity
In their first meeting with Old Trinity since 2023, St Bernard’s were back on the road for a much anticipated encounter falling heartbreakingly short in a contest which showed just how close this group is declaring themselves a force in A grade football.
Coming into the clash, Trinity had announced themselves into A Grade with a statement win over Old Xaverians in Round 2 and from the opening siren, it was clear the challenge awaiting St Bernard’s would be significant. The large oval suited transition football and both sides brought immediate intensity around the contest. Clearances were won at both ends but ultimately Old Trinity's efficiency in front of goal proved the early difference and while St Bernard’s were able to generate opportunities, Trinity took the four point lead into quarter time.
Throughout the afternoon, St Bernard’s showed patches where they completely controlled the game, moving the ball with confidence and locking down the opposition. However, there were also periods where lapses in concentration and execution allowed Old Trinity to regain momentum. It still felt as though St Bernard’s were having to work twice as hard to look dangerous, while Trinity were able to transition the ball quickly and cleanly, often finding an uncontested option holding width on the outside. St Bernard's inefficiency in front of goal again proved costly, missing set shorts and key opportunities keeping Trinity in control for most of the game despite Bernard’s often winning territory. Heading into half time for St Bernards, the frustration was evident however to the group’s credit, the response after the break was outstanding.
The intensity lifted dramatically, particularly in the final quarter where they surged back into the contest. Daniel Gilham was enormous inside forward 50 applying pressure and finishing with three goals. One of them coming from a brilliant kick along the boundary line which brought supporters to their feet and helped reignite belief in the final term.
Ben Overman continued to elevate his game again on Saturday, quickly becoming one of the sides’ most influential players. His ability to break lines, create attack, run through the ground and his agility have been crucial additions to the side so far this year. The final term was full of energy and belief, Dylan Gwynne making an impact throughout the middle with his work rate and tackle pressure. Harry Schumann stood up in the final moments, kicking a brilliant goal late in the last quarter and with every point crucial and nobody sure how much time remained, the atmosphere lifted dramatically.
Unfortunately, when it mattered most, Old Trinity were ultimately able to gain composure in the dying moments of the game and have the final say, escaping with the win. St. Bernards had almost double the scoring opportunities and the game could have easily gone both ways. This match did make one thing clear, the St.Bernard's group is on the right track. It is only Round 4 and each week, players are stepping up and continuing to build.
In Round 5, St Bernard’s return home in what has shaped up to be another huge challenge against Uni Blacks, who just had a statement win over Old Brighton, beating them at Brighton Beach Oval (first side to do so in 2 years). With the competition looking incredible even so far, this presents a massive opportunity for St Bernard’s to make a statement of their own and show the competition what this group is really capable of.
SCORES
OLD TRINITY 3.1 19 8.3 51 10.5 65 13.9 87
ST BERNARDS 2.3 15 3.7 25 7.11 53 11.15 81
BEST ON
Old Trinity James Ingpen, Dominic Payman, Alex Emery, Christos Manoussakis, Campbell Dytor, Charlie Comer
St Bernards Ben Overman, Dylan Gwynne, Mitchell Hughes, Nicholas Conlan, Harrison Schumann, Luke Said
GOALS
Old Trinity D.Payman 5, E.Chard 2, A.Emery 2, T.Ferrier, C. Comer, F.Hall, C.Bowler
St Bernards D.Gilham 3, M. Watson 2, M. Holland, L. Di Lizio, H. Schumann, O.Liberatore, A.Ryan, G.Iudica
Written by Hannah Juricskay