Despite going down to the rivals, both grades did themselves, the club and their supporters proud.

Both grades were played with tough but fair attitudes, and officials and supporters all went away afterwards pleased with what they had witnessed.

The Under 18s kicked off the day and for two and a half quarters they were right in the race with captain Jarrod Pope in the ruck, and vice captain Brayden Harmer-Clark at centre half forward putting in their typical top notch performances and leading from the get-go.

Best on ground was Robbie Harrington who was instrumental in getting the junior Saints on the front foot and his centre and forward play was something to behold.

The side’s youngest member, Max DeBritt stood up to the Bushranger opposition and didn’t disappoint, showing coaching staff and supporters that he has improved out of sight over the off season and will only get better during the season.

Older brother Jack DeBritt was solid, as was Jack Causer who was returning from an end of season injury from last year and will definitely get better.

Jack Barase was so enthusiastic at fullback but on injury through the third quarter slowed him down and he could have kept the scores closer if not for the injury.

There were a number of first gamers for the Saints and coach Ray Martin was pleased with their efforts and attitude over the four quarters put in by Conah Wilder, Daniel Kelly, Angus Rudd and Matthew Knight.

Another player who has showed improvement over the pre and early season training has been Rob Choat, along with Tyson Kinchin who did some good things and toiled hard.

The side was missing some height and experience with a few players unavailable due to either work or family commitments over the holiday period.

It’s similar news for tomorrow’s match with a couple of players missing, but the lads - I’m sure - will again play with their never-say-die attitude and put in over the whole game.

Any boys aged 15 to 18 who are looking for a winter sport to partake in, training is on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at Burrangong Oval from 5.30pm.

Final scores from last weekend’s match was Young 8.3 (51), Bathurst 16.10 (106).

The senior side then had their turn at the old foe.

This game went right down to the wire with the Saints going down by 14 points.

As was the case with the 18s, the seniors missed a few players through work and injury, but with the return of a player or two from last season, combined with a core of players fit and raring to go, the Bushies knew they were in for a hell of a game from the outset.

Brant Riley got the team off to a perfect start with a goal in the first couple of minutes.

He played a splendid game until a strained hamstring brought his day to a premature end.

Kurt Lyzun played a major role in the forward line, as did Brent Blythe at full forward.

Both players kicked multiple goals.

Chris Thompson provided a target for the midfield and the smaller forwards crumbed well around him.

“Coach Ian Callaghan has worked hard on getting a short kick and running game into our arsenal and it looked really good in stages throughout the match,” player Geoff Harmer said.

The midfield toiled all day and once the guys in the middle spend more time together and communication between half back, middle and half forward becomes more fluent and consistent, the Saints will bother opposition all season.

The Stewarts Jewellers best on ground went to Ethan Cummins who’s work in the ruck was once again tireless.

Stewart Gilbert was solid in his first hitout and was tried in a number of positions.

At fullback Jarrod Pope held his own, but the toils of the 18s fatigue set in. Despite this he pushed through to the final siren.

Jason Loader and Fred Cummins were strong in defence and the vice captains used their defensive pressure to our advantage.

Kai Frame moved around the back line well and gave good service to the centre where co-captain Drew Morris worked overtime in and around the square with Sid Hobbs, Zac Callaghan and Joel Griffin to provide the forwards with their goal opportunities.

Tomorrow the Saints take on the Orange Tigers in Orange and the boys are confident they can muster up their first win of the season.

Final scores for Reserve Grade were Young 13.7 (85), Bathurst 15.9 (99).

The PJ’s volunteer of the day was Bryton Harmer-Clark who received the PJ’s voucher.