Miners’ scoring woes

By Marc McGowan
THE Berwick Miners’ offensive woes continued in their 16-0 defeat to the Western Crusaders at Frank Street Reserve, Frankston on Saturday.
The match was the second time this season that the Miners have failed to score, leaving them with just one win and a draw from the opening five Gridiron Victoria rounds.
Berwick leaked 16 points in the first half before steadying after the long break as it lost its third straight outing.
Despite putting together several good drives, the Miners’ offence was unable to capitalise.
For Berwick offensive coordinator Mel Martin, it was a ‘frustrating’ afternoon.
“It’s a problem we’re desperately trying to solve,” he said. “We still were able to move the ball and it reminds me of the old Greg Chappell saying – I’m batting well; I just keep getting out.”
Quarterback Sam Walker endured a forgettable afternoon, completing just six of his 20 passing attempts and throwing two interceptions.
But Martin said the team’s display had nothing to do with Walker’s output.
“Put it this way, in no way did his performance contribute to our loss,” he said. “The guys were not in good positions for him and our offensive linemen missed the occasional block – it was just very frustrating.”
Rookies Ross Oliver and Luis Millard drew praise from Martin, while veterans Dale Warren, David Carson and Brian Afoa impressed.
Offensive lineman Garth Baker also played his first game for several years after taking a break from the sport.
The Miners also sustained two key injuries in the encounter, with Steve Baker suffering a major hamstring injury and Shahid Malimar hyper extending his left knee.
Malimar has already sat out two fixtures this season after tearing cartilage in his right knee in round one.
Berwick will try to turn its luck around against the Monash University Barbarians at Monash University, Clayton, on Sunday at 2pm.