Berwick set to burn bright

By Brad Kingsbury
BERWICK proved that it is on the right track for success under coach Ronnie Burns, despite losing a competitive clash to Doveton at the Robinson Reserve by 22 points on Saturday.
The trick for the Wickers will be firstly to retain Burns as coach and secondly lure as many of the club’s talented recruits to stay and build on this year’s beginning in 2007.
Burns and the Berwick hierarchy have endured the criticism that goes with bringing players into a club from outside, but the signs are that the rebuilding is starting to work.
The Wickers travelled to Doveton without injured playmakers Mark McLean and Ainsley Betts, but Burns made a welcome return after a hamstring strain and was among the day’s best players.
The Doves got off to a good start, booting away to a fourgoal lead at quarter time, thanks largely to the forward work of Ryan Hendy, Robert Hughes and the silky skills of David George.
The match became an even contest after that with Wicker forwards George Gorozidis and Gavin McLean looking dangerous and the ball being used efficiently and swiftly by both midfields.
After trailing by 33 points at halftime, Berwick hit back and reduced the margin to 16 points at threequarter time, but could not bridge the gap in the final term, which was highlighted by some wonderful passages of play from both sides.
A clash between Doveton centre halfforward Ryan Brown and Berwick hard man John McNamara in the third term upset the home crowd and caused an onfield fight between most players, with Brown leaving the field bleeding from the mouth and McNamara reported and sent off for 15 minutes.
McNamara later accepted a oneweek suspension for the infringement.
Doveton coach Steve Henwood praised his team’s effort, but acknowledged that the Wickers had improved significantly under Burns.
“Berwick has a pretty good side and I think Ronnie Burns is doing a good job with them,” he said.
“I thought we played pretty well and they stayed with us. They’ll help shape the five, there’s no doubt about that.
“We got a good start and that helped a lot and then the way we finished off was also good. We kicked four or five good running goals and that was pleasing.
“The discipline that was showed was also great (after the thirdquarter incident). I was very proud of the way our players kept their cool.”
Burns also praised his side and, while admitting that a finals appearance was now unlikely, said the basis was there for success.
“We had a few out and I was proud of the boys. They played four quarters and put their best foot forward,” he said.
“Doveton is a great side and have a lot of running players. I wanted a fit side against Doveton and we had that, but what kills us is our disposal.
“When we pick that up, our forwards can take their marks and then we can match it with any side in the competition.”