Wickers win clash of the creeks

By Mark Gullick
WHILE a small creek separates Berwick and Beaconsfield, the gap between the two teams on the field on Saturday was as wide as an ocean.
Berwick’s dominant first half paved the way for a massive 75-point win over its bitter rivals at Edwin Flack Reserve.
The highly-anticipated game was over by half time with Berwick amassing 11 goals to Beaconsfield’s solitary major.
Berwick coach Dean Rice was pleased with the victory.
“It was a big game,” he said. “Obviously there is a rivalry between the two clubs and to our guys’ credit they played pretty well.”
Captain Jason Kelly led the defensive unit superbly which halted most of Beaconsfield’s forward forays and Brad Fowler was prominent through the midfield.
Eagles hardman Damien Swaja worked hard on a dark day for his team.
Berwick travels to Hampton Park on Saturday.
“It should be a good game,” Rice said. “They’re always hard to beat at their home ground. They’re second on the ladder and we’re third. We’re younger and a bit lighter, and it’s going to be another challenge for our club.”
Beaconsfield hosts Narre Warre for the grand final rematch.
Narre produced another famous last quarter blitz to secure the points over a dogged Devon Meadows at Kalora Park.
The Magpies kicked seven goals to four during that period to finally break the determined Panthers and run out 29-point winners.
“They are a very physical side and all power to them, they were very good,” Magpies coach Chris Toner said.
“We took a while to get into our stride and once we did, we were okay. We’re a different side to what we have been, we’re very, very young and we’re just going to continue to get better.”
Inter-league representatives Michael Collins and Ben King starred in the win.
Despite the loss, Devon Meadows coach Rod Keogh was pleased with the effort.
“They had more scoring shots than us,” he said. “I suppose the scoreboard could have been worse for us, but in general field play, we thought we were right in the game.”
Versatile veteran Daniel Verlado was Devon Meadows’ best player.
Narre Warren plays Beaconsfield this week.
“There were 44 players in last year’s grand final and I’d be surprised if there were 22 that were still playing,” Toner said. “I’m sure both sides will respect that both teams played off, but it’s certainly going to be different (from the grand final).”
Devon Meadows faces the rampaging Cranbourne.
“It’s important that after the Cranbourne game our blokes have a smile on their faces and are proud of what they put forward during the game,” Keogh said. “We know we’ve got a massive task in front of us.”
See the Casey Cardinia League scoreboard on page 133.