By Brad Kingsbury
BERWICK finally demonstrated its potential and gained a longawaited dividend from a preseason recruiting campaign with a 17point upset win over Narre Warren.
The match, at the Edwin Flack Reserve, was played in persistent rain on a wet surface, but players from both sides rose to the occasion and showcased all the skills and toughness that Australian Rules football is famous for.
It was as good a spectacle as any patron could wish to witness and players from both sides were spent afterwards.
The Magpies were without defender Steven Kidd and midfielder Michael Collins, while Berwick hard man John McNamara was suspended.
The opening term was a rugged affair with both sides attempting to run the slippery ball forward.
Star Magpie Brett Evans started at halfforward and pushed up the ground, marked by Wicker Matt Crosby. He had an immediate effect, booting an early goal and stood out as the Narre Warren goto man.
At the other end of the ground, George Gorozidis took the key forward role allowing Ryan Donaldson to roam free at halfforward, while coach Ronnie Burns and midfielder Mark McLean linked up well through the middle.
The Magpies led by four points at quarter time and extended that to two goals at the main break, but Berwick always looked dangerous.
A blow to the Magpies came with the nonappearance of Evans after halftime, due to a back complaint.
Berwick took advantage and took control, booting four goals to one in the third term to lead by seven points at the final change and did not look back, continuing the forward pressure and moving away to record its best win of the season.
The Wickers concentration on the job was superb and Burns said afterwards that he had set the players certain goals, which they had worked hard to achieve.
“I was very happy with the boys after last week’s effort against Doveton and I asked them for another 20 per cent over the whole game,” he said.
“We made a couple of changes and picked a side for the conditions. I just told them to be first to the ball, be accountable and be hard at the contest. They were good today.
“Brett Evans was great until halftime and I used him as an example. He was in front all the time and took his marks. That is what wetweather football is about.
“We’ve been working on this process for the past 12 rounds and I vas very proud that the boys proved themselves against quality opposition.”
Narre Warren chairman of selectors Travis Marsham lamented the Magpies form slump and said it was crucial that the players regrouped quickly.
“They just wanted the ball more than us (and) we’re carrying too many blokes at the moment. There’s only about five or six doing the work of 21 and we’ve got a few too many passengers,” he said.
“We’ve got the top two sides coming up and we can’t afford to get through this month nought and four. We’ve got to get on top of things now.”
Marsham said that all aspects of the Magpies training and playing plans would be looked at and changes made where necessary to arrest the slide.