Berwick Miners quarterback Sam Walker runs into trouble in his team’s 32-6 loss to the Nunawading Warriors at Sydney Pargeter Reserve on Sunday.By Marc McGowan
REPEATED offensive failures saw the undermanned Berwick Miners defeated 32-6 by the rampaging Nunawading Warriors in Gridiron Victoria action at Sydney Pargeter Reserve on Sunday.
Running back Shahid Malimar returned to the Miners’ line-up, but Berwick lost key linebacker Mark Petana and running back Nick Vlad remained on the sidelines.
Petana’s absence wreaked havoc on the Miners’ structure, forcing them to field a new-look defence.
As a result, the Warriors dominated on the ground, reaching the end zone on several occasions in the first half, as Berwick struggled to grasp its own opportunities.
Veteran wide receiver Dale Warren was the go-to man for quarterback Sam Walker and did not let the Miners down.
But with Malimar not quite at his optimum level and linebacker-cum-running back Scott Sunderland forced to carry a big load on offence and defence, Berwick was unable to pressure Nunawading.
The Warriors went into half-time with an 18-0 lead and there was further bad news on resumption.
An interception gave Nunawading good field position before it ran in another touchdown.
Finally, Warren found himself on the end of a sharp Walker pass and dived into the end zone to register the Miners’ only points of the game in the third quarter.
Berwick then let in a late score in the final minutes to end a disappointing day.
On top of the loss, Berwick also lost youngster Sam Wilson (broken right wrist) on the last play of the day to what is expected to be a season-ending injury.
Warren and Jan Yaakoob were the Miners’ best on offence, while Ben Hutchison’s two interceptions and rookie Ross Oliver’s effort impressed.
Miners head coach Darren Shaw lamented his side’s lack of numbers and called again for a better turnout at training.
“The scoreline doesn’t show it, but the opposition know if we’d been able to have success on our four good drives, the score could have been different,” he said.
“The players need to realise that they can match it with the best teams and getting to training can get us that edge to get the ball in the end zone.”
Berwick faces the Western Crusaders at Frank Street Reserve, Frankston, at 2pm on Saturday.
