By RUSSELL BENNETT
THE Berwick Miners knew exactly how tough their challenge was on Saturday – trying to find a way past the three-time reigning Gridiron Victoria Division 1 champions with a depleted side of their own.
The task against the Monash Warriors wasn’t mission impossible … more like mission highly improbable.
The Miners, already in somewhat of an injury crisis, faced the daunting prospect of taking on the Warriors without starting quarterback Sam Walker.
Brad Ferguson, Berwick’s star wide receiver, moved into the starting role – which he trained in over the pre-season – but that was like robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Almost predictably, the Casey side was horribly outmatched – going down 64-8.
“I’m expecting the boys to play hard, but with our full-back, quarterback, wide receiver, and both inside linebackers we’re dealing with some serious injuries,” head coach Mel Martin explained prior to the clash.
“Miracles can happen – we’ll be playing to win – but we are coming up against a side in the Warriors that has won the championship the last three years running.”
There’s no doubt the Miners have some serious talent throughout their roster, but they need to find a way to remove what seems to be an injury curse hovering over Rawling Field at Sydney Pargeter Reserve.
They’ll be hoping their luck turns Sunday at Henry Turner Reserve in Footscray, where they’ll take on the Croydon Rangers from 10.30am.
