Berwick Miners wide receiver Jamie Stafford caught a first-half touchdown, but the Nunawading Warriors had their opponent’s measure for most of the day.By Marc McGowan
THE Berwick Miners will enter the Gridiron Victoria finals on a three-match losing streak after succumbing 34-16 to the Nunawading Warriors at Monash University in Clayton on Sunday.
The day did not begin well for the Miners, with quarterback Sam Walker tossing two interceptions that resulted in Warrior touchdowns.
Berwick finally got on the scoreboard when defensive tackle Jonathan Leota sacked the Nunawading quarterback in his end zone for a two-point safety.
Former league most valuable player Grant Lamb almost produced another score for the Miners, but his 80-yard touchdown run was called back due to a penalty.
Fortunately for Berwick, the same drive ended with Walker passing to Jamie Stafford for the Miners’ first touchdown.
Walker then used his trademark elusiveness to run in the two-point conversion.
But it was the Warriors who had the all the answers and they enjoyed a 27-10 advantage at half-time.
The buffer grew when Berwick defensive back Steve Baker’s turnover attempt could only tip the ball into his Nunawading opponent’s hand for another touchdown.
Lamb completed a strong personal offensive display by rushing for a 60-yard touchdown, but it could not prevent his side from defeat.
Dante Newton was the star on the defensive end for the Miners, while new junior coach Scott Sunderland produced the ‘hit of the day’ to sack the Warriors’ quarterback.
Berwick head coach Dale Warren was frustrated with the loss and put it down to the lack of numbers at training.
“It was a disappointing end to the year, but it’s not over yet,” he said.
“Our aim this week is to step up at training. We’re only amateurs, so sometimes work and family comes first and the game comes second.”
The Miners finished the season in fourth spot and face the unbeaten Western Crusaders in the semi-finals at Henry Turner Reserve in Footscray at 2pm on Sunday.
