Bernard was a goalkeeper who played in 1952/53 in Exeter City's first year in the FA Youth Cup against Bristol Colts.
It was not his first game at St James Park, a pupil from Ladysmith School in Exeter, he played in the 3rd Round of the England Schools Trophy representing Exeter and District in November 1950. And was part of the Ladysmith team that won the league and cup in 1950/51. 

He also played in goal against Budleigh in February 1954 for the A-team, City won 5-0. 

Bernard made his debut for the Reserves in the Southern League on the 14th October 1954, the following was taken from the match report 

"Young Bernard Hunkin, a goal keeper who almost earned. a school boy international trial a year or two back, will not forget his Southern League baptism. Playing behind a jittery defence, he did reasonably well. Two dropped balls in the first half were probably the outcome of over anxiety. Several smart saves after wards were efforts of a lad who should train on into a good 'keeper. I do not blame Hunkin for Exeter's defeat; nor  could one fault Paddy Doyle" 

He continued to play for City Reserves, that season, against Hereford in the Southern League on the 30/10/1954, in a friendly against St Luke's College on the 9/02/1955 and also for the first team in a Devon Championship semi-final game against Bideford on the 3rd of May 1955.

In June 1955, he signed for Bridgwater Town.