Early points win the day

JUST like a calm before the storm, Berwick City used last Sunday’s division two match against Footscray as prepara-tion for the tumultuous month ahead.
Berwick City enjoyed a steadying 24-5 win over Footscray at Cyril Molyneux Reserve but ominous clouds in the shape of Wildcats and Lions loom in the not-too-distant skyline.
Berwick pounced early in Sunday’s match, scoring 18 of its 24 runs in the first two innings and from there it was easy going for coach Mick Poole and his brigade of youngsters.
Ryan Phillips threw four scoreless innings before Matt Chilcock pitched three closing innings in his third appearance on the mound in the Berwick firsts.
One week after pitching out of a jam and closing out the win against Port Melbourne, Jesse Gavin turned his attention to hitting, recording three hits, including one that nearly left the park.
Every batter got at least one safe hit and most got multiples but the biggest value came from being able to rest star pitcher Matt Rossman and play many of the younger members from the seconds’ team.
Although Berwick sits in fourth position and only half a game behind third, Poole is not getting carried away.
“We’re only half a game in front of fifth as well,” Poole said.
With a game next week against a strengthened Waverley Wildcats and a double-header against Springvale and Melbourne the following fortnight, Poole knows there is still a lot more good baseball to be played if his side is to make it out the other side.