AGAINST Pakenham, Berwick played desperate, closechecking footy in the first half. But, after being competitive for half a game, the wheels fell off for Berwick while Pakenham kicked 15 goals after halftime.
Dan O’Hara was brilliant from the outset, whether in defence or attack, and his marking and determination has improved with each game. Brad Miles, a frustrated player filling gaps this season, was again called upon to fill the void but remained positive and focused. Chris Adams was missing through injury and Andrew Tuck was called upon to play for Geelong in the VFL, leaving the Wickers with more holes to fill.
After the main break, a procession of goals by Pakenham buried the visitors and showed the Lions superiority heading into the finals.
The return of fit players and the further development of the younger brigade such as Hanigan and Wakefield will make the Wickers more competitive in 2006.
Scores: Pakenham 21.27.153 d Berwick 4.4.28.
Best: Dan O’Hara, Matt Crosby, Adam Mott, Brad Miles, Brad Molineux.
RESERVES
Berwick was defeated by Pakenham in another onesided game. Several colts helped field a side for the game and Cam Dalgeish stepped up to coach this side. Jesse Douma has played great football since returning from overseas and Roan Ekenaike and Peter Hoogwerf had consistent seasons.
Scores: Pakenham 20.20.140 d Berwick 2.5.17.
Best: Michael Hanigan, Roan Ekenaike, Steven Dyson, Peter Hoogwerf, Jesse Douma.
UNDER 18
The Wickers played a good brand of footy, leading from the first bounce to collect the four points for victory. This was a great team effort with all players combining well as a team and following the game plan. Darren Sheen was among the goals, again finishing with 10 for the game, and Shaun Barnes kicking two in a highstandard game Sheen has kicked 63 goals for the Wickers turned on a great display of team footy.
Scores: Berwick 21.13.139 d Pakenham 1.0.6.
Goals: D. Sheen 10, S. Barnes, C. Dyson, K. Fowler, S. Quinn 2, B. Robinson, T. Campbell, K. Fowler 1.
Best: T. Campbell, C. Dyson, K. Fowler, S. Quinn, S. Ferrari.
