Trailing at every change, the visitors exploded in the third term to overturn a 39-point half-time deficit and claim a pulsating 12.5 (77) to 11.8 (74) win on the Tigers’ home deck.
Former Geelong and Port Adelaide star Steven Motlop was electric for Katamatite, booting four goals and threatening to blow the game open early in the Picola District Football League contest.
While Katamatite looked in control, kicking 8.5 to 2.2 in the opening half, the Saints refused to go away.
They clawed their way back into the contest with an impressive third quarter, kicking 7.3 to 1.2, setting up a grandstand finish.
A tense fourth term had the Saints come away three-point winners, accuracy in front of the big sticks their greatest ally.
Three goals straight to 2.1 handed Berrigan a win that could well be the catalyst for the rest of its season.
Harley Middleton starred for Berrigan, kicking four majors of his own.
Zeke Carruthers, Oliver Hill, Mitch Reilly, Griffin Surrey and Lochie Conboy rounded out the Saints’ best.
The result lifts Berrigan to fifth on the ladder — one game behind Picola United in fourth and now firmly in the mix for a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Katamatite slips to 9-2 with consecutive crunch matches looming.
The Tigers face a crucial fortnight ahead, starting with a trip to Picola United in round 14 before a showdown with league leader Waaia.
Berrigan will look to carry the momentum into this week’s clash with undefeated Katandra.
Can the Sainters claim two massive scalps in back-to-back weeks?
If Saturday’s comeback is anything to go by the Saints are finding form and belief at the right time.
Elsewhere, Waaia flexed its muscle once again with a 66-point demolition of Tungamah, maintaining its perfect season at 11–0.
Katandra kept pace with Waaia atop the ladder, continuing its ruthless form with an 80-point thumping of Deniliquin Rovers, while Rennie sent a message with a big 68-point win away at Mathoura.
Katunga proved too strong for Blighty in a 30-point win and Picola United produced a blistering first half to run over Tocumwal and stay in touch with the top four.
Jerilderie also bounced back into the winner’s circle, overcoming Strathmerton by 21 points on the road to round out the weekend’s action.
Meanwhile, on the netball court Deniliquin Rovers claimed the match of the round with a gutsy 40-34 win over Katandra.
Tocumwal took care of Picola United to the tune of 67-26 and Blighty had no answers for Katunga, which ran away with a 58-19 victory.
Strathmerton produced a polished 58-35 win over Jerilderie to stay in the finals mix and Tungamah also returned to form with a strong 41-30 result against Waaia, keeping pressure on the sides above it.
The Mathoura and Rennie result was not available at the time of print.
