NEEDING almost everything to go right on Saturday afternoon, Berri was unable to pull off a minor miracle in the RFL A grade, bringing its season to a close.
Berri headed into Saturday’s final minor round clash of the campaign on home turf needing to earn victory, and Renmark to defeat Loxton North to feature in the finals series.
Barmera-Monash celebrated reigning best and fairest winner Justin Bonney’s 100th game, as it prepared for this weekend’s qualifying final against Renmark.
However, it was Barmera-Monash that stunned the Demons from the outset, kicking the first four of the game, including the opener from the in-form Dain Austin.
Austin converted a set shot from 40m out, and the Roos added to the tally shortly after following back-to-back majors in quick succession from Matt Wilden.
Austin had his second of the game from the opposite pocket soon after, helping the Roos march to a 26-point lead.
Berri finally got its first of the game in the dying stages of the opening term, after a scramble forward saw Matthew Benson get on the end, leaving the Demons 20-points behind at the break.
Barmera-Monash cut the enthusiasm from the home supporters earlier in the second quarter after goals from Paul Spilios, and Joe Ricketts, had the margin at 31 points.
However, the hosts took some momentum into the half time interval after recruit Jake Durdin, and star key forward Darcy Minchella put Berri within 18 points at the last break.
Regan Kruger kicked the first goal of the second half for Berri, before Shay Hawkins helped the crowd roar to life after a brilliant running goal, cutting the margin to just five points.
However, a downfield free was soon converted by Steve Burton, and when Matt Wilden and Jack Albrecht kicked goals shortly after, the Roos held a 25-point lead at the last break.
With emotions threatening to boil over at three quarter time, Barmera-Monash snuffed out the chances of a late comeback after Matt Wutke goaled under pressure.
Callan Lloyd kicked a late major for the Dees late in the piece, but it was too little too late, and Berri suffered a four-goal defeat.
Barmera-Monash was already confirmed for a trip back to Berri this Saturday to face Renmark, hoping to book a grand final berth, and if it is defeated, will face the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Waikerie and Loxton North.
Milestone man Bonney was superb across half back, curbing the influence of Berri’s dangerous small forward brigade, while skipper Sam Butterworth was also in strong form across the afternoon.
Jack Albrecht had what was arguably his best game of the season, while Trent Ogle showed what he can do across half back, providing run and carry.
Jacob Grieger finished a strong season for Berri and will poll well in the club’s best and fairest, while Brad Rosenzweig fought hard across the day as usual.
The Roos’ clash with Renmark kicks off at 2.40pm, on Saturday, and can be listened to live on 5RM from 2.30pm.