Kicking in for a mate

By Gavin Staindl
FOUR soccer clubs will band together to host a fundraising event for local goalkeeper Richard Marnell, who underwent surgery last week to remove a deadly cyst from his brain.
Berwick City, Peninsula Strikers, Croydon and King-ston Heath will meet at Grange Reserve, Clayton on Wednesday to raise funds for the popular 23-year-old.
Marnell is still recovering from multiple life-saving operations.
The young Berwick goalkeeper has been touted as one of the top Victorian prospects and was expected to reach the Victorian Premier League before being struck down with the disease.
Berwick coach Tom O’Halloran was shocked when he heard the news and said Marnell is a wonderful ambassador for the sport.
“Don’t worry about Berwick, he is just so good for the game,” O’Halloran said.
Berwick president Dave Mackie said his keeper is a young boy who will be sorely missed on the pitch.
“He’s a lad who should be playing a lot higher, but he just loves playing with his mates,” Mackie said.
“We have been very fortunate to have him in the team.
“We are running a night at Kingston, it costs five bucks for entry and each player will pay 10 bucks to play.
“There will be raffles and we are auctioning a signed Melbourne Victory soccer ball … it will be a great night where everyone can have a couple of drinks and help out Richard in the process.”
Marnell is expected to leave hospital this week.
The fundraiser will be held at Grange Reserve, Clayton on Wednesday 18 May at 6.30pm.