Berwick coach Ronnie Burns drives his team forward in a tense final term on Saturday. Picture: Stewart Chambers.THREE wins in the past three rounds had the Wickers in fifth position after a sluggish start to the season. In the game on Saturday at Edwin Flack Reserve the home team stole the game from neighbour Beaconsfield in the annual Battle of the Creek.
Beaconsfield was in front at the halftime and threequarter time breaks after the Wickers kicked four firstquarter goals to Beaconsfield’s two. In the first half the teams were evenly matched and close checking from both defences allowed neither team the ascendancy. Dan O’Hara was in great a great battle, restricting Haydn Robins to three goals for the game. O’Hara played close and was able to repel many forward thrusts from the fastmoving Eagles.
In the second term the visitors’ inaccuracy in front of goal yielded 3.5 to the home team’s meagre 0.3. Beaconsfield attacked with vigour and determination to frustrate the Wickers, creating many turnovers. Berwick’s disposal was poor, depriving Gorozidis and Donaldson of the opportunity to kick goals. Tuck was again strong in defence and David Van Diemen provided plenty of drive in his return to senior ranks. Tim Joustra was dominant in the ruck and Mark McLean a polished performer around the ground. Ronnie Burns showed his best performance for the season, attacking the ball and gaining many possessions, but his kicking let him down with three lastquarter points and one kick out on the full.
Each team kicked 5.2 for the third quarter, Beaconsfield holding a 10point lead at the last change. The Wickers had most of the play in the last term, failing to capitalise on their opportunities with a return of 6.9, Beaconsfield kicking 5.2.
In a torrid last quarter emotions were high and the drama continued after the final siren. Berwick’s Ryan Donaldson marked before the siren sounded with the Wickers two points down, placing pressure on him to kick truly. His goal brought a fourpoint victory to the home team.
Scores: Berwick 15.16.106 d Beaconsfield 15.12.102.
Goals: R. Nisbet 3, J. Kickett, K. Betts, R. Donaldson, G. Gorozidis, C. Kickett 2, A. Mott, M. McLean 1.
Best: M. McLean, D. Van Diemen, D. O’Hara, R. Nisbet, A. Tuck, T. Joustra.
RESERVES
Berwick had another win but generally did not play to the standard of previous weeks. There were many mistakes by both teams, resulting in a poor spectacle for supporters. The win gave the Wickers an increase in their percentage and continuing their winning form.
Sam Bennett’s attack at the ball and general determination should see him a genuine chance to return to the senior ranks in coming weeks.
Scores: Berwick 13.14.92 d Beaconsfield 6.5.41.
Goals: J. Dodd 3, M. Crosby, S. Bennett, M. Fowler 2, M. Hanigan, C. Donaldson, M. Ravenhall, S. Dyson 1.
Best: M. McGauran, J. Commerford, M. Crosby, M. Hanigan, J. Tonks.
UNDER 18
The Wickers got a flying start against unbeaten Beaconsfield and cruised to a 19point lead at the first change. However, the visitors systematically wore down the lead to get in front in the third quarter and hold off the Wickers, who had chances but couldn’t find the skill and teamwork that had been a feature of their game this season.
Scores: Beaconsfield 10.9.69 d Berwick 9.4.58.
Goals: T. Campbell, S. Sheen 2, C. Vigona, B. Harman, R. Witt, S. Brady, P. Vanschilt 1.
Best: C. Vigona, S. Brady, R. Witt, M. Davey.
CLUB NOTES
The major raffle will be held on Sunday, 4 June and tickets are available from Peter Phillips.
