For Clint Evans and his Berwick side, there’s no hiding from the fact that it’s been a difficult opening month.
The Wickers started the season with a handicap, after a string of injuries to key players pushed them behind the mark before the gun even went off.
The injury woes have come in the big-man department, which is hurting the Wickers from – quite literally – the first bounce.
On Saturday, Balwyn burst out of the blocks and secured the win before quarter time with a five goal to nil first stanza.
The Wickers competed for the remaining three terms, but ultimately fell to a 14.19 (109) to 6.11 (49) defeat.
LADDER: Rowville 12, South Croydon 12, Balwyn 8, Noble Park 8, Doncaster East 8, Park Orchards 8, Vermont 8, Norwood 4, Blackburn 4, Berwick 0, Doncaster 0, North Ringwood 0.
GOAL KICKERS: C Haley (Balwyn) 16, A Ainger (Vermont) 12, J Wilsen (South Croydon) 11, J Bennell (Norwood) 9, C Hickey (Park Orchards) 8.
FIXTURE – ROUND 4: Blackburn v Park Orchards (Friday night), Berwick v Doncaster, Norwood v Noble Park, Rowville v Balwyn, Vermont v North Ringwood, Doncaster East v South Croydon.
