Tristan Kassis breaks drought as St Bernard’s score big win over Altona
After several close calls St Bernard’s veteran Tristan Kassis ended his long wait for a maiden senior century to set up the Snowdogs’ big win over Altona.
Local Sport
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Tristan Kassis’ 15-year wait for his first St Bernard’s century is over.
The Snowdogs veteran sparked wild celebrations at Murphy Oval on Saturday when he brought up triple figures against Altona.
Kassis finished unbeaten on 113 to help propel St Bernard’s to 2-218 and set up a convincing 89-run VSDCA victory.
He made his senior debut for the club in 2004-05, in the VTCA’s Division 2, and currently has the seventh most runs in club history.
His previous best was 94 in 2014-15.
St Bernard’s coach Nigel Freebairn was thrilled to see him achieve something special.
“Tristan has threatened triple figures a few times but he’s always got a bit wobbly as he got close.
“He was absolutely rapt, as was everyone at the club, that century had always eluded him up until yesterday and that will be a career highlight.
“We videoed it and sent it off to his wife straight away, which got her to come down and bring their two kids, which was really nice for him.
“He was dropped a couple of times but in situations like that you’ve got to make the most of the opportunities the opposition give you.
“It was a really mature knock, hard-hitting from the word go, I think he hit two boundaries in the opening over of the day and that set the tone.”
A serious hamstring injury to Chris Spinella (43 retired hurt) attempting a quick single soured the win before James Davey (34) finished strongly.
St Bernard’s kept the momentum rolling with the ball as Altona were reduced to 4-43.
Spinner Ameya Gharat claimed 3-8 in six overs to wrap up the visitors’ tail and Freebairn paid tribute to Tim Grant’s contribution in the field.
“Ameya showed a lot of variation, when he takes the pace off and flights it a bit more is when he’s at his best,” Freebairn said.
“There were no weak links amongst the bowlers and it wasn’t just the wickets that slowed the momentum, it was the dot balls.
“The run-rate was critical in the early stages, Altona started slowly and the pressure we built kept them 80 or 90 short.
“Tim Grant, the veteran, took two very good catches at mid-off and a direct-hit run out, which just goes to show when you’re not contributing with bat or ball there’s still a role to play.”
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With three rounds remaining in the home-and-away season St Bernard’s sits eighth, 15 points behind Preston in the top six.
The Snowdogs face winless Taylors Lakes on Saturday before clashes against Werribee and undefeated Kew to round out the season.
“In the last couple of weeks, outside a blip on a wet wicket at Ivanhoe, we’ve recaptured our best form because individual players are executing their role,” Freebairn said.
“We’ve been inconsistent, it may be all too late, but I feel we’re back to our best form and pleasingly the players coming in have made the most of their opportunities.”
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