Berwick Miners quarterback Andrew Crawford charges forward against the Southern Seahawks in Geelong on Sunday.By Marc McGowan
WINS have been few and far between for the Berwick Miners this Gridiron Victoria season, but there was never any doubt that last Sunday was going to end positively.
The Miners crushed the winless Southern Seahawks 42-0 for their third triumph of the year to maintain their finals hopes.
They drew level on points with the fourth-placed Western Crusaders and both clubs face the Seahawks in the final three rounds.
Berwick unveiled back-up quarterback Andrew Crawford on the weekend in place of Sam Walker, who had stints at wide receiver and on defence.
Crawford took a while to adjust to the starting role, but became more comfortable as the game went on and wound up tossing two touchdowns.
The windy conditions made it difficult at one end and the Miners failed to score in the third quarter after leading 14-0 at the long break.
But they exploded into action in the final term to pile on four more touchdowns to seal the result.
Running backs Tom Pitt, Scott Sunderland, Jonathan Leota and Donte Newton all scored, while wide receivers Rick Brown and Walker both caught passes in the end zone.
Coach Mel Martin was thrilled with the performances of Crawford, Sunderland, Brown, Walker, Brian Afoa and linebackers Ross Oliver, Newton and Besim Carja.
He also credited his offensive line’s blocking as a major reason for the victory.
Berwick faces the second-ranked Croydon Rangers (twice) and the Seahawks in its final three matches.
“We play the Rangers twice in three weeks and, quite frankly, we find new and inventive ways to lose to that team,” Martin said.
“It’s a big challenge for them, but they’re most certainly up to it.
“We just need to eliminate the errors we made – both on offence and defence – last time.”
Croydon beat the Miners 21-14 in round three.
Sunday’s clash is at Henry Turner Reserve, Footscray, at 10.30am.
Meanwhile, junior pre-season training began at Sydney Pargeter Reserve last Saturday.
Training will be on Mondays and Saturdays until the season starts in October.
