Cougars outclassed by Melbourne

By Mark Gullick
MELBOURNE outclassed the Berwick City Cougars in its Division Two clash at Surrey Park on Sunday.
The 12-2 score line was a reflection of the difference between the two teams.
“They were just too good for us,” Cougars coach Mick Poole said. “They are an older team than us by about three to four years in experience per player and they made us pay on every little mistake.”
Melbourne strangled Berwick City at the plate and rarely offered any scoring opportunities.
“Their pitcher was very good,” Poole said. “We only had one hit going into the seventh inning.”
The Cougars’ best player was Jim Crowe, who was promoted from Division Two. He was the only Berwick player to have multiple hits.
The remainder of the Cougars team failed to have an impact on the game, in the field or when batting.
With its record split at five wins, five losses, and a difficult fixture imminent, the Cougars face a challenging period.
The Cougars host former Division One club Bonbeach on Sunday afternoon then meet Williamstown on Thursday evening at Melbourne Ball Park.
“The next two games will show us where we’re sitting,” Poole said. “But we’re keeping an eye on the long-term goal, which is to develop the juniors.”