Beaconsfield’s Kris Fletcher keeps his eyes on the ball as Berwick’s Brad Fowler takes a swipe during a hectic third term at Edwin Flack Reserve on Saturday. 84481 Pictures: Donna Oates
By DAVID NAGEL
PRESSURE, pressure and then a little more pressure was the standout feature of the Casey Cardinia match of the day on Saturday as the final five just refuse to settle down. Let’s take a look at a round where records and hearts were broken and some finals contenders hit back after the disappointment of seven days earlier.
BERWICK kept its finals hopes alive with a brave 21-point win in a high pressure, high tempo, intense game of football, in the “Battle of the Creek” against Beaconsfield at Edwin Flack Reserve.
The Wickers’ season was on the line and they responded with their best performance of the year to draw level with the fifth placed Eagles on six wins apiece.
Berwick went harder and lower early to set up a three-goal margin at quarter time, then watched on as its lead evaporated in a hot third term. The Wickers then gritted their teeth, and gave coach Dean Rice the 25 minutes of commitment he asked for at three quarter time, kicking 3.2 to 0.1 to run out deserved winners.
The early match-ups were predictable with Daniel Battaglin standing Nathan Waite at one end and the experienced pair of Jason Kelly and Andrew Williams squaring off at the other. Eagle’s tagger Aaron Gwozdziewski had Madison Andrews in his sights at the centre bounce as did Berwick’s Brett Robinson on the dangerous Robbie Taylor.
Berwick looked quicker and harder than it has all season and goals to Waite, a physical Jordy Andrews and young gun Chris McKay set up an early lead.
Beaconsfield coach Austinn Jones gave both barrels to his side at quarter time but it made no difference as the home side dominated the early exchanges in the second quarter.
McKay, Jack Opteynde and Bryce Rutherford were three youngsters having an enormous impact as the run and carry from 2011 returned, but Berwick just couldn’t convert its dominance. A goal to Rutherford was answered by Troy McDermott before Shaun Barnes gave the Wickers back their four-goal buffer.
Late goals to Beacy pair Patrick Chin and Brad Hollick saw the Eagles go in just 14-points down at the main break, a good result considering the run of play.
The third quarter was a cracker with both sides lifting the tempo even further. Goals to Michael McPhie and Williams, inside seven minutes, squared things away before a 12-minute stalemate ensued.
A McKay goal at the 19-minute mark was answered by goals to Gwozdziewski and Damien Szwaja and the visitors had control for the first time all day. Brad Fowler was busy, and he put the home side back in front with a snap on three-quarter-time.
Jones asked for an honest work rate and Rice for commitment as the most important quarter of footy kicked off.
Jordy Andrews was intimidating with his physicality all day and gave away silly free kicks at times, but his two last quarter goals were crucial before Waite sealed the win with a scrambled goal at the 24-minute mark.
McKay and Rutherford were joined by another youngster in Joseph West and the experienced Paul Vanschilt on Berwick’s best players list while Battaglin was Beaconsfield’s best with a superb display on Waite.
Gwozdziewski and Josh Dodsworth were other solid four-quarter contributors for the Eagles who are now under the hammer to hold onto a top five position.
