IT was one of the most extraordinary games of the 2025 Riverland Football League A grade campaign, and it ended with Berri somehow keeping its season alive.
Entering the match needing to win to keep its slim finals chances alive, Berri travelled to Waikerie to face a Magpies outfit that had already begun its finals preparations, having locked in third spot.
It was the home side who shot out of the blocks in an incredible start to the contest with a flurry of goals.
Bradley Truscott had the first inside 20 seconds, and after Shaun King and Kade Hilton added their own, Waikerie had three on the board before Berri had hardly touched the ball.
Hilton slotted one from the pocket in front of the adoring Magpies faithful enjoying the recently built grandstand, and Spencely took the margin to 32 points soon after.
After moving Darcy Minchella into the ruck, Berri found some possession, and it resulted in a goal to Michael Voigt in the dying stages of the first quarter, leaving the visitors 26-points behind at the opening break.
Berri continued that momentum into the second quarter with goals from Michael McRae, and Voigt’s second, before Minchella slotted his first.
Stephen Hausler halted the Demons’ momentum late in the quarter with his first of the day following an unlikely goal, helping his side lead by 13 points at the half.
In a tight tussle throughout the third term, both sides had even looks at possession, but the goals came via King and youngster Callan Lloyd, leaving the margin the same with one quarter remaining.
With its season hanging in the balance, Berri turned to Minchella to create some magic and he was able to do so with the opening two goals of the final term.
Waikerie missed chances to put the game beyond doubt, and despite a third goal for Hilton, Jarrad Bee, Spencely, and King were all unable to kick straight.
Undisciplined play from the Pies saw them give away several 25m penalties for dissent, and Berri capitalised through Patrick Minchella.
However, the biggest twist of the game came in time on, after Rory Moroney received a free kick for too high.
Following another 25m penalty, Moroney converted from close range, and put his side in front with just minutes remaining.
Berri managed to hold on for a two-point victory, and kept its faint finals dream alive, but will now need a lot to go right this weekend.
Darcy Minchella finished with three for the Demons, and took crucial marks around the ground, while Patrick Minchella and Regan Kruger both provided their side with plenty of spark.
Hilton tried everything he could to get the Magpies over the line, and Bee found a lot of the ball, as did Truscott, but it was unable to do the trick.
Waikerie will complete its home-and-away season with a trip to Loxton this weekend, while the Demons meet arch-rival Barmera-Monash in the 5RM Game of the Day.
Berri will be required to defeat the Roos, and hope that Renmark is able to take care of Loxton North, which will secure a spot for the finals in what would be a remarkable rise from 2024.