BERWICK edged out Cranbourne by five points in a classic Casey Cardinia league round one encounter at Edwin Flack Reserve on Saturday.
The massive crowd was treated to a tense, eventful final term where the result was undecided right until the final siren.
From the opening bounce it was clear that it was going to be a competitive match.
After an even first term, Cranbourne kicked six goals in the second term to lead by 29 points at the long break, but its lead was reduced to just seven points at the last change.
The Wickers wrestled the ascendancy from the visitors with two goals inside seven minutes and hung on to claim a dramatic victory.
Berwick coach Glenn Dale described it as a “hard-fought win”, praising his young defenders for the poise shown in the dying minutes.
“We’ve got five guys 22 (years old) or under, and one 27 year old, and for them to hold out in the last quarter was great,” he said.
Berwick’s best players were Brett and Dale Robinson, Grant Noonan (seven goals) and Nathan Waite.
Cranbourne coach Doug Koop was disappointed with the loss, but impressed with recruit Justin Berry, who kicked five goals and worked hard around the ground. Matthew Rus, Matthew Thompson, Matthew Fletcher and Adam Wright also distinguished themselves.
@BT Sub Sport News:Pakenham v Narre Warren
A blistering seven-goal third term by Narre Warren provided the spark for an impressive 28-point victory over reigning premiers Pakenham.
The Magpies broke the game open by kicking 7.6 to Pakenham’s two behinds in the third quarter, before shutting it down against the wind in the final term
Narre Warren coach Matt Shinners was pleased with his team’s first-up performance in trying conditions.
“It was a pretty hot day and it was always going to be last man standing,” he said.
“We had a few boys go down with cramp, but we were able to get them back on the field and produce.”
Daniel Field, Steve Kidd, Daniel Borninkhof, Nick Scanlon and Luke Tehennepe were the best players for the victors, while Nathan Brown and Dom Paynter led the way for the Lions.
@BT Sub Sport News:Tooradin v Beaconsfield
Beaconsfield shrugged off a sluggish first half to over-run Tooradin by 116 points at Tooradin Recreation Reserve.
The Seagulls won their share of the footy in the first half, but didn’t score a goal after the interval as they struggled to contain a rampaging Beaconsfield.
“It really showed where we’re at as a club,” coach Chad Liddell said afterwards.
“We were competitive for the first half, but we’re such a young side.
“It’s going to be a tough year for us, but we’ve just got to keep everyone interested and focus on the development that’s been going on since the start of pre-season.”
Adam Galea, Rohan Hyde and Mark Burnett tried hard for the vanquished.
@BT Sub Sport News:Doveton v Keysborough
Despite losing to Keysborough by 15 points, a spirited Doveton showed the league it would competitive in 2010.
Barring the second term, when Keysborough kicked seven goals to two, the match was even in general play and on the scoreboard.
Doveton scored five goals in the final term to reduce the losing margin, and coach Mark Ladgrove said it was an “encouraging performance” for a side that had been ravaged by off-season departures.
“The boys did well and showed a lot of character,” he said.
“(Vergim) Faik was very impressive, Brad Downe was very reliable down back, (Ricky) Kelf, (Ryan) Pearson through the middle and Michael Henry was good too.”
@BT Sub Sport News:Hampton Park v Devon
Meadows
Devon Meadows motored away from Hampton Park in the second half to record a 52 point win.
Both teams had their chances in the opening half and the score line of Devon Meadows’ 6.6 to Hampton Park’s 4.7 was reflective of that.
Devon Meadows kicked seven goals to nil in the third term before easing out to a solid win.
Panthers coach Steve O’Brien was rapt.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but if we’re going to be the side we’re expected to be, we have to win these games,” he said.
Best players for Devon Meadows were Callum Ransom, Steven McInnes, Lukas Hoogenboom and Justin Hill.
Meanwhile, Redbacks boss Josh Taylor said his side was “pretty rusty”, but praised the performances of Chris Hussey, Scott Eastwood and Nathan Dawes.
