VAFA: St Bernard’s secures promotion and Premier B grand final spot

MARK Riley had no doubt who to thank for St Bernard’s VAFA Premier B major semi-final victory as his team earned promotion to the top flight.

Chris Hughes celebrates a goal for St Bernard’s on Saturday. Picture: David Crosling

MARK Riley had no doubt who to thank for St Bernard’s VAFA Premier B major semi-final victory on Saturday — Tony and Anne Caven.

It was their sons who starred for the Snowdogs as the minor premier returned to the competition’s top flight after a come-from-behind 11.10 (76) to 6.9 (45) win against Old Carey.

“Thank you very much to Mr and Mrs Caven, Tony and Anne, because without their three boys I don’t think St Bernard’s gets over the line,” Riley said.

Michael Caven (left) celebrates with Chad Jones after kicking a goal. Picture: David Crosling

Michael Caven was named best afield with four goals — two in each of the first and third quarters — which was especially important after Chad Jones was held goalless by Panthers defender Andrew Sloan.

Simon and Tom Caven were vital at the other end of the ground, leading a heroic defence which was under siege for the first quarter.

St Bernard’s Nick Cooke is put under pressure by two Old Carey opponents. Picture: David Crosling

“They caught us on the back foot. They came out and played well, knocked a couple of our boys over —— we were lucky to only be three goals to one down,” Riley said.

“They had 21 inside 50s to six in the first quarter and only conceded three goals.

“It is a mighty effort by the back six to repel attack after attack.”

Drawing upon the form and fitness that has defined their season, the Snowdogs responded with gusto.

Gaining ascendancy around the ball thanks to Adam Bentick and Tom Sullivan (two goals), St Bernard’s piled on five goals straight to one behind to take command, extending the lead in the third term.

Zach O'Halloran is pumped up after a goal on Saturday. Picture: David Crosling

“Having been thrashed in the battle of territory in the first quarter, (we) dominated after that in tricky wet and slippery conditions,” Riley said.

“Great credit to our guys because we haven’t been challenged for a while.”

The win erased some of the heartache St Bernard’s endured since falling in the preliminary final against Old Scotch last season.

Old Carey’s Ben Coull and St Bernard’s Shaun Clarke lock horns. Picture: David Crosling

“Even though we didn’t talk about it a lot, that feeling and emotion of missing (promotion) by a whisker was a big driver through November and December,” Riley said.

“They trained very hard — three nights a week over summer.”

But having entered the season with two-fold aspirations, Riley said his group knew its job was only half done with the grand final to be held on September 15.