By Mark Gullick
SECOND-PLACED Berwick takes a much-deserved bye this weekend following a big start to the year.
The Wickers defeated Doveton in a bruising encounter at Edwin Flack Reserve on Saturday.
Beaconsfield hosts Devon Meadows in a danger game and Narre Warren travels to Doveton for the match of the round.
“We’re looking forward to going to Doveton, it’s a big wide ground which gives us a chance to run and use our speed,” Magpies coach Chris Toner said.
@BT Sub Sport News:BERWICK v DOVETON
BERWICK downed Doveton by 11 points in a spiteful clash.
Tensions erupted minutes before half-time and a nasty brawl broke out with a flurry of punches thrown.
Berwick held a 22-point lead at the long break and withstood a final quarter Doveton surge to record its seventh win of the year.
“I was a bit miffed why the umpires weren’t in there trying to do anything – they were just standing off taking notes,” Rice said regarding the brawl.
“I thought it was getting out of control.
“ I had a chat to (the umpires) and they were concerned about their own safety if any spectators got involved.
“I think it’s something the league may have to look at and maybe do an investigation.”
Rice said his players were “probably getting a bit fatigued” and would welcome the bye.
“We aimed to be 7-3 at the end of the first half of the year. The last eight games set up a really good stage for the rest of the season.”
Jason Rahilly was superb for Berwick, especially in the final term. Jake McLardy and Brad Fowler worked hard around the ground, while David Vandiemen and Nathan Page were conduits for many forward thrusts.
@BT Sub Sport News:NARRE WARREN v ROC
SUCCESSIVE substantial wins rocketed Narre Warren back into the five.
The Magpies produced a four-quarter effort to overcome ROC by 90 points at Officer Recreation Reserve.
Narre Warren kicked six goals to two in the opening term and comfortably cruised to victory.
“It was probably the best we’ve played all year, so we’re very pleased,” Magpies coach Chris Toner said.
“They played well. They’re starting to work together. They’ve had a few weeks together now, and it takes a bit of time.”
Aaron McIver played a brilliant all-round game, kicking six goals while contributing up the field.
Col McNamara, Ben King and Daniel Field played well.
@BT Sub Sport News:KEYSBOROUGH v BEACONSFIELD
KEYSBOROUGH led Beaconsfield from the opening bounce to record its maiden win of the season.
The Eagles, despite showing several phases of dominance, were outworked and outclassed by a desperate Keysborough.
Beaconsfield had few winners, though Jesse Linkins, Ben McGowan, Michael McPhie and James Johnston represented the Eagles with aplomb.
The loss closes the door on Beaconsfield’s finals chances.
