SFNL: Why Berwick Springs round one Division 3 debut win was so important

Berwick Springs’ first step into the Southern league resulted in a convincing win. Here’s why it was so crucial for the newcomers.

Berwick Springs’ co-captain Brent Urwin in action. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

The “vibe” at Berwick Springs is a positive one.

It’s a welcome change for the Titans after their first step into Southern league football resulted in a convincing win over Skye.

Berwick Springs endured a tough year in the Premier Division of the Outer East league in 2024, finishing last with two wins and 16 losses.

With few knowing what to expect from the Titans in their debut SFNL season in Division 3, they have put the league on notice after downing Skye by 44 points.

“That game on the weekend will probably go down as one of the most important games of the year,” said co-coach Hayden Stagg.

“We really had to get that win and have our attention right from the start just to kick start the year and put last year behind us to start on a high.

“We didn’t get many highs last year, after the game it was a really good vibe around the club and on Tuesday at training it was just infectious.”

It was a fair while between drinks for the Titans, who last won a game against Gembrook Cockatoo in round 12 last season.

Berwick Springs player Kyan Buselli. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

“Very happy with how the boys played the game and stuck fat to our game plan, especially in the second half, that’s where we really started to kick into gear,” Stagg said.

“It was really good to see everything that we’ve practiced over the pre-season come together at the right time.

“Our ability to run out the game was really good and our skills as the game went on got better and better which was probably the most impressive part.

“We didn’t break stride once we got momentum, we just kept rolling with it so it was really good to see.

“Even in the first half when Skye put it to us we were able to hold on and weren’t leaking goals compared to last year, that was a good sign.”

New recruit Thomas Stiglich impressed in his debut for the club, while defender Brodie McConnell and Brent Urwin were also strong.

The Titans aren’t short of leadership on field, with Urwin one of four co-captains, plus Stagg, who also plays.

“The younger boys really took their game to the next level which is what we were hoping for,” Stagg added.

“Good promising signs.”