St Bernard’s claims Subbies minor premiership in 40-year first

It’s been 40 years since St Bernard’s finished on top of the ladder and it’s given the Snowdogs the perfect platform to claim a history-making flag.

Chris Spinella in action for St Bernard‘s. Picture: Josh Chadwick

St Bernard’s has given itself the perfect platform to win a maiden VSDCA premiership.

The Snowdogs achieved a 40-year first on Saturday, claiming top spot on the North-West group ladder with a 68-run win over Yarraville at Yarraville Oval.

It’s also the club’s first First XI minor premiership since joining Subbies in 2016-17.

Kew’s shock loss to Coburg saw St Bernard’s jump to the top, securing home ground advantage through the finals, starting with Altona.

The Snowdogs are riding a seven-game winning streak, dating back to December, and are well placed to go at least one step further than last season’s preliminary final.

Jevon Kett in action for St Bernard’s. Picture: Josh Chadwick

“We’re rapt to have achieved that and give ourselves the best chance in finals, knowing everything is in your control,” captain-coach Kyle Adams said.

“Since Christmas we’ve been building really nicely, it feels like guys are coming into form at the right time of the year.

“We’re getting time in the middle and guys are scoring runs and building innings, it was good for Pete (Clark) to get some time in the middle after he had a quad strain and missed three games.

“Everyone from one down to nine has made a 50 this year.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t have anyone make Team of the Year but everyone has contributed at some stage of the year to get us a win and get us to where we are.

“It’s the same with the ball, we have lots of contributors and we have Aaron Smillie to come back in this week.”

Batting first, St Bernard’s amassed 7-229 with Jevon Kett leading the way with 75 from 102 balls.

Nish Perera added 44 before late runs from Tristan Kassis (36 not out) and Adams (19 not out) boosted the total.

In reply, Yarraville was in early trouble, falling to 5-58, before being dismissed for 161 as Peter Clark collected 3-18.

Perera finished the season as the club’s leading run-scorer with 451 at 41 – ranked 15th overall – while Rory Collins (414) and Kett (406) were also in the top-20.

Luke Davies was the leading wicket-taker, snaring 29 scalps at 13.79 – ranked 11th – with Adams (26) and Perera (22) not far behind.

The Snowdogs claimed a 133-run win over Altona in Round 12 at Grant Reserve.

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Clark was the star with 84 runs before Davis rolled through the home side with 5-25.

“That was one of our more complete games and it’s going to be a similar side to when we played them then,” Adams said.

“It’s going to be a good challenge, I know we won last time, but they’ve got a couple of really good players that if we don’t perform have every chance of winning the game.”

St Bernard’s will also play finals in the Second XI but despite finishing second will play fifth-placed Preston at Preston City Oval.