Dingoes score a howling success

By Cam Scott
DINGLEY scored its most impressive win of the season on Saturday, holding off a fastfinishing Berwick to win by 14 points.
The Dingoes, whose only victories in the CaseyCardinia League this year have come against the winless Keysborough, treated the home crowd to a gritty and determined performance that showed promising signs for the future.
Kicking with a strong breeze in the first term, the Dingoes got out to an early lead, but were reeled back in by Berwick in the second term, the Wickers leading by one point at halftime.
The Dingoes looked set for another secondhalf fadeout against the breeze, when Brad Miles and Chris Adams goaled to take Berwick to a 14point lead early in the third term.
The Dingoes, however showed a resolve rarely featured in their games this year and fought back.
Goals to captain Brett G’niel and coach Justin Woodman set the scene for Dingo pups Andrew Frost, Bill Zeitoune and Justin English who all scored majors to give the home side a 20point buffer at the last change.
Wickers’ powerhouse Dan O’Hara was moved forward in the last term and found plenty of the ball, alongside Chris Mizzi and Chris Adams. When O’Hara scored with five minutes to go, Berwick had the momentum and were only seven points down.
The Dingley defence, led by Steve Vinen, Stephen Pitt and Barry Clarke stood up to the challenge despite Berwick’s attacking onslaught. Vinen’s aerial and foot skills were supreme in the pressure quarter, and when G’niel goaled late in the term the match was sealed.
The win sparked scenes of jubilation for players and supporters, with Woodman enjoying the club’s first win against one of the league’s established sides.
“It’s a good step forward for the club,” he said.
“I was impressed we fought it out for four quarters. It’s important for the young guys to know they’re good enough to play in this competition and be good at it.”
Standin Berwick coach Mark Osborne made no bones about the fact injuries to key players and the recent departure of coach Leigh Taylor and his brother David had been tough on the young side.
“It’s pretty disappointing and they’re disappointed (the players), but for the first time since the sackings it’s probably the best performance they’ve had,” he said.
“A lot of the young blokes felt for the Taylors. It was something pretty emotional for the young blokes who had been led by those guys since about December last year.”
Osborne said he was confident the club would regroup and come back strongly next year, saying it was important for the players to keep a level head and realise the future’s still ahead of them.