Miners use break to rethink season

By Marc McGowan
BERWICK Miners head coach Mel Martin will use Gridiron Victoria’s two-week midseason break to try to resurrect a season threatening to go off the rails.
The Miners lost their fifth match from seven outings this season at Sydney Pargeter Reserve on Sunday to the defending champion Monash University Warriors.
Martin felt his side was still in the game at half-time despite trailing 22-7, but the unbeaten Warriors scored two more touchdowns in the second half to win 38-7.
Quarterback Sam Walker and teenage wide receiver Nick Vlad hooked up in the end zone late in the opening term, but there was little other joy for Berwick.
The Miners’ defence, which has been a pillar of strength this year despite the team’s struggles, was unable to contain Monash University’s powerful running game.
They also had some issues with poor pass coverage.
But Walker and the offence showed much-needed improvement, with running back Scott Sunderland rushing for nearly 100 yards and rookie wide receiver Rick Brown boasting nine receptions.
Sunderland also helped out on defence in a workhorse performance.
Berwick will again rue missed opportunities, particularly Walker’s interception when, on one series, the hosts had driven the ball right to the goal-line.
But Peter Frerker and Nathan Bickle, both making their season debuts after extended lay-offs, strengthened the offensive line.
Martin admitted it was a disappointing day for his defensive unit, but was impressed with the Warriors’ display.
“The Warriors hit us early and just basically got on a roll,” he said.
“Looking back, we’ve lost two games (by big margins) and the others basically were games we should have won.
“I still believe we’re a very good side; it’s just that we’re not bringing it all together at the right stage.
“Our next five games after the bye, which are against teams we should beat, are very important.”
The competition now takes a two-week break due to the Australian team’s trip to Europe for a series of matches.
Miners star Steve Baker is playing for the national side.
Berwick resumes at 2pm on Sunday, 26 July against the Bay City Buccaneers at Croydon’s Springfield Reserve.