St Bernard’s coach Nigel Freebairn says win over Brighton proves Snowdogs can match it with VSDCA contenders
St Bernard’s made its VSDCA finals debut last season and has taken another big leap forward this year, so much so, the club has a maiden First XI premiership in its sights.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
St Bernard’s have set their sights on a maiden VSDCA First XI premiership after a stunning win over Brighton.
The Snowdogs’ three-wicket victory on Saturday propelled them to third on the North-South group ladder with two games remaining in the home-and-away season.
The club made its Sub-District finals debut in 2018-19 and has taken another leap forward in coach Nigel Freebairn’s second season.
VSDCA: SQUEEZE ON FOR NORTH-SOUTH FINALS
LEADER: GET YOUR LOCAL CRICKET NEWS HERE
PREMIER: NORTHCOTE QUICK IMPRESSES IN STATE DEBUT
“We’re not just there to make up the numbers, we’re there to give it a shake,” Freebairn said.
“Our form has been a little patchy in terms of the gap between our best and our worst.
“We’re looking to reduce that gap come finals but we have shown our best is good enough to mix it with the contenders.
“That’s what we play for (premierships) but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves by any stretch.”
Brighton won the toss and chose to bat first at Brighton Beach Oval but star paceman Aaron Smillie quickly removed dangerman Ricky Damiano for just 18.
The Tonners were all out 213 and were left to rue five costly run outs as the Snowdogs fielding went to another level.
Jordan Mills (85) and Tim Grant (42) then gave St Bernard’s chase the perfect start, putting on a 126-run opening stand.
In his 200th game for the club, Tristan Kassis (42 not out) guided his team home with four balls to spare.
“Credit to our guys for the way we fielded and the pressure we built,” Freebairn said.
“Tristan was really influential, he took 18 off their star bowler (Justin) Butterfield, which put us ahead of the curve.
“We know he’s capable of that – he hasn’t shown it in recent times – but we like him to captain our chase.
“Having had a taste of that success, he’ll be well placed to do it again when it’s required.”
While St Bernard’s are looking to cement a home final, the club is also preparing for a VSDCA Twenty20 semi-final clash against Endeavour Hills on Sunday, February 16.
“While our focus is still very much Saturday cricket, we’re also training and preparing for the T20 finals,” Freebairn said.
“We’ve got a two-dayer against a formidable Ormond and then a one-dayer to finish against Brunswick, who we’re really pleased to have built a cross-town rivalry with.”