Berwick Miners corner Steve Baker chases down his Croydon Rangers opponent during Saturday’s contest at Sydney Pargeter Reserve. 31583 Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Marc McGowan
LET’S hope it was the real Berwick Miners that turned up at Sydney Pargeter Reserve on Saturday.
The Miners were unable to register their first victory of the season, but produced a much-improved performance to push last year’s grand finalists, the Croydon Rangers, all the way.
Berwick fell behind 14-0 early in the second quarter and then 21-6 just after half-time before losing 21-14 in the Gridiron Victoria clash.
The hosts entered the last term with strong hope of an upset victory, but two dropped catches in the end zone ultimately cost them the win.
Miners quarterback Sam Walker returned to form in a big way with two passing touchdowns – and no interceptions or fumbles – to Rick Brown and Kabir Malimar.
Brown also managed a two-point conversion after Malimar’s score alongside four receptions.
Malimar and Lee Lindsay hauled in three catches apiece.
Running backs Tom Pitt and A.J. Iuta also impressed, particularly the latter, who coach Mel Martin said enjoyed a ‘coming-out game’.
“A.J. Iuta gave us something we were sadly lacking – some power running up the middle,” he said.
Steve Baker, Mark Petana, Rob Zimmerman and David Carson were among a host of players to return from injury to stiffen Berwick’s defence.
Martin lauded Baker’s, Sam Wilson’s and Donte Newton’s defensive displays.
Players and officials from both sides observed a minute’s silence before the game for former Miner Danny Rawling, who died in a motorbike accident the previous weekend.
Former and current Berwick players also attended Rawling’s funeral at the Victorian Police Academy in force. Martin said the funeral was ‘very emotional’ and ‘a very fitting farewell to a true Miner’.
He was pleased his team was able to perform so well against Croydon considering the circumstances.
“There were a couple of missed opportunities, dropped catches and missed blocks – little things that just tended to frustrate us,” Martin said.
“But, given the fact the Rangers were last year’s grand finalists, it was a good performance.”
Berwick has a bye this week due to the Queen’s Birthday weekend and resumes against the Southern Seahawks at Croydon’s Springfield Reserve on Saturday, 13 June at 2pm.
