Left: Missed catches such as this one by Miners wide receiver Jamie Stafford encapsulated Berwick’s day as wasted opportunities led to a 30-0 defeat to the Western Crusaders at Frank Street Reserve on Saturday.By Marc McGowan
THE Berwick Miners’ two-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt on Saturday, with a 30-0 wipeout against ladder leaders the Western Crusaders at Frank Street Reserve in Frankston.
The Miners had collected easy victories in the previous two Gridiron Victoria rounds, but found the Crusaders to be a completely different proposition in round five.
The contest was not without promise for Berwick, however, as the Miners held their all-conquering opponents to just a 6-0 lead at half-time.
This was after a 40-minute delay in the first quarter due to a Western player dislocating his ankle and requiring an ambulance.
The supreme opening-half effort was orchestrated by Miners defensive coach Darren Shaw and the quality performances of Mark Petana, Dante Newton and Michael Tupai.
Offensive linemen Warren Short and Justin McPharlane also shone.
Quarterback Sam Walker, fresh from a six-touchdown explosion against the Southern Seahawks, put his team into scoring position on several occasions, but critical turnovers at the wrong time from Walker and his team-mates continually thwarted the Miners.
The Crusaders came out firing in the second half and blew Berwick away with smart play and stellar work on the ground from their running backs, who managed two touchdowns.
Miners head coach Dale Warren conceded it was always going to be a tough match, but was impressed with his squad’s endeavour.
“To hold them to 6-0 at half-time, I think that’s the hardest first half they’ve had all year,” he said.
“It was a fairly good performance. Now we have to take what we had in this game to the next game.
“It’s a building step for us and it shows we can do it.”
Warren believes his side has come a long way since the start of the season, with the rejigging of the line-up being a huge factor in this improvement.
“Having (former starting quarterback) Jamie Stafford and myself at receiver and Sammy at quarterback has been a good combination,” he said.
“Our lineback performances have also been good.”
Berwick returns to its home base, Sydney Pargeter Reserve, for the first time since it celebrated its 20th anniversary in week one to face the Nunawading Warriors on Sunday at 10.30am.
Picture courtesy Josh Button.
