By Stuart Teather
THE Berwick Miners’ season is over, after the side lost its Gridiron Victoria semi-final to top side the Monash University Warriors on Saturday.
Unlike their previous encounter, where the Miners pushed the top side all day and lost 15-12, the semi-final was all one-way traffic, with the Warriors getting up 24-0.
Miners’ coach Darren Shaw said his side’s offence could not get going.
“The offence just didn’t score, they were driving the ball up and down, and obviously there was no scoreboard pressure, the defence did fairly well, but without scoreboard pressure it really hurts the defence.
“We just coughed and spluttered at the wrong times, when we were in the red zone we couldn’t get it in.”
Despite the result, he said other coaches came and told him the game was closer than the scoreboard suggested.
“At the end of the day, I still don’t think there was much between us.
“I am disappointed, I really thought we could beat them. The guys tried, but the Warriors were undefeated and they just showed they were the better team, I guess.”
Retiring veteran Dale Warren had a less-than-perfect send-off as he injured his knee in the third quarter, and did not return to the field.
Shaw highlighted youngster Nick Vlad and defender Brian Afoa as two of his side’s best.
Afoa was recognised for his consistency at the recent league awards night with the Defensive League Most Valuable Player award.
Shaw said Afoa had a fantastic season in the Miners’ defence.
“Brian has been consistent all year, has certainly worried all the offensive lines, and a few quarterbacks.”
With the Miners’ season over, Shaw reflected on the difference between the top sides and the Miners.
“It really comes down to one word, and that’s training … you can’t turn up and practise on game day, you’ve got to practise during the week and I think that was the difference between us and the two teams going into the grand final.”
The Warriors will face the Croydon Rangers in the grand final, after the side had a comfortable win over the Western Crusaders.
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