Miners take the win

By Marc McGowan
A 50-0 spanking of the Southern Seahawks last Saturday has set the Berwick Miners up for a must-win clash with the Croydon Rangers for a finals’ place this weekend.
The winless Seahawks forfeited the Gridiron Victoria clash with the Miners at half-time due to lack of playing numbers.
They were competing on the newly named Rawling Fieldat Sydney Pargeter Reserve thatis named in memory of former Berwick player Danny Rawling.
Rawling died in a motorbike accident in May.
Sam Walker and Andrew Crawford shared the quarterback duties again, combining for four passing touchdowns to Rick Brown (two), Scott Sunderland and Rashed Malimar.
Walker, while playing the cornerback position, also picked off a Southern pass and ran 30 yards for a score.
Tom Pitt and Brian Afoa scored rushing touchdowns, while Malimar and Crawford added two two-point conversions apiece.
Malimar – in his first match at running back – was the star, but had willing allies in linebacker Ross Oliver, offensive lineman Dave Carson and Walker.
Stand-in head coach Darren Shaw described the victory as ‘a bit of a walk in the park’.
“I don’t think anyone has scored that in a half against them and we’re the only team they didn’t score on all year,” he said.
“I think (only playing half a game) will be a benefit because any niggling injuries wouldn’t have been made worse and hopefully it will freshen them up.
“It was a good team effort and we have (usual head coach) Mel (Martin) back from the Oakland Raiders and hopefully he’ll have some new drills to throw in this week to pick the boys up.
“This is a do-or-die game this week, so it’s up to the players and will determine whether they have the winning attitude or not.”
The Miners face the Rangers at Sydney Pargeter Reserve on Sunday at 10.30am.
Croydon won the clubs’ two earlier outings this season 21-14 and 18-17.