Miners salvage win over Crusaders

By Marc McGowan
THE Berwick Miners were scratchy again, but managed to exact revenge over the Western Crusaders at Henry Turner Reserve on Sunday.
Berwick struggled on offence all day, with quarterback Sam Walker particularly out of form, but its defence led it to a 13-12 victory.
Walker tossed two interceptions in the final term when the match was on the line.
Outside linebacker Sam Wilson, who was brilliant all day, picked off a pass in the dying minutes and ran the ball into the end zone before Rick Brown converted the extra point. The touchdown saved the Miners from a fifth loss in six matches after the Crusaders hit the front in the fourth quarter.
Berwick led 6-0 for most of the day following Walker’s touchdown pass to Lee Lindsay in the opening term.
Western tied the scores in the third quarter before snatching a 12-6 lead with some luck in the last term when the ball bounced off a couple of Miners defenders into the receiver’s arms.
The win was particularly noteworthy for the Miners considering they lost defensive players Ross Oliver, Donte Newton and Dan Smith before the match due to separate family tragedies.
Berwick coach Mel Martin was happy to pick up his second triumph of the year, but was disappointed with his players’ offensive performance for the second week running.
“It was an ugly win, but a win’s a win,” he said.
“Our defence, without being outstanding, played a good game, but our offence again did not perform well.
“Our running game improved significantly, but we’re still struggling with our passing game.”
Martin was pleased with the performances of his defensive line, running back Scott Sunderland and Nick Vlad.
The Miners lock horns with the Monash University Warriors at Sydney Pargeter Reserve on Sunday from 2pm.