BERWICK seniors, hit by illness injuries, went down to a strong Hampton Park by 120 points on Saturday
Hampton Park led from the outset, kicking nine goals in a firstquarter blitz to set the scene for a onesided game in blustery conditions at Edwin Flack Reserve.
Injuries to Donaldson, Hanigan, Gorozidis on one leg after recent surgery, the late withdrawal of Joustra through illness and the half dozen who played with a virus left the home team with very few able bodies.
The end result shows a thrashing by the visitors, but the Wickers gave their best under difficult circumstances.
The everreliable Chris Mizzi, with support from Adam Mott, were two great contributors for Berwick.
Marty McGuaran’s return has given extra experience and tenacity in the backline that has been lacking his season.
The inclusion of under18 player Brett Robinson as a replacement for Joustra added a new dimension to the centre bounce and agility around the ground.
Brad Molineux also played well.
Scores: Hampton Park 27.18.180 d Berwick 8.6.54.
Goals: George Gorozidis 3, Adam Mott 2, Chris Mizzi, Matt Crosby, Craig Donaldson.
Best: Chris Mizzi, Brett Robinson, Brad Molineux, Marty McGuaran, Adam Mott.
RESERVES
With injuries and illness to players in the ones and twos, Berwick veterans Allan Sheen and Tom Fowler pulled on the boots for the first time this season.
Throw in chairman of selectors Glen Wilson, new coach Cam Dalgeish who hasn’t played since round two due to injury and the home team were subsequently overrun by Hampton Park.
Wilson and Fowler handled the conditions and opposition with relative ease, marking freely and being the playmakers for the game.
Scores: Hampton Park 12.13.85 d Berwick 4.7.31.
Goals: Kerry Ashford, Luke Jamieson, Cam Dalgeish, Glen Wilson.
Best: Jamie Commerford, Sam Bennett, Tom Fowler, Robert Cotela, Gary Keet.
UNDER 18
Berwick played good football and led from the start to collect the four points.
This was a great team effort with all players combining well and following the game plan.
Andrew Stent has been a regular contributor and one of the most consistent players this season.
Matthew and Kris Fowler played well.
Scores: Berwick 15.11.101 d Hampton Park 4.8.32.
Goals: M. Fowler 3, A. Stent 3, D. Sheen 2, S. Barnes 2, S. Ferrari 2, Stefan Makrigiannis, D. Caldwell, G. Drosten.
Best: S. Ferrari, M. Fowler, S. Barnes, J. Barrow, A. Stent.
Berwick plays Narre Warren at home this week.
