Wickers boost embattled Dingoes

By Brad Kingsbury
BERWICK has offered to help the struggling Dingley Football Club field a reserves side by allowing players who miss selection with the Wickers, a permit to play with the Dingoes on a weekbyweek basis.
Hampton Park gave Dingley several players to make up numbers in its roundfour clash on 6 May, with the result that two games could be played.
Berwick president Peter Jensen contacted Dingley counterpart Leigh Menzel on Friday with the offer to cement a deal where excess Wicker players could still have a game of football, but remain registered with Berwick, their preferred club.
“We had 20 players miss out last week and that’s no good for them,” he said.
“Dingley obviously has some serious problems with numbers and (the agreement) is a win for both clubs. The players get a game of football and it helps Dingley field a reserves side, but the players stay as Berwick players which is what they’ve told us they want to do.
“They are available for selection with Berwick first, but don’t miss out on a game if they don’t make it.”
Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League general manager Ian Benson said that providing the players and clubs were in agreement, the permits would be issued and there would be no problems.
“That option is available to them and if it’s allowing players to have a game, then it’s a good idea,” he said.
Dingley has struggled to retain players and has made it clear that it will leave the MPNFL in 2007 in favour of the Southern Football League.
Berwick’s offer of players, together with the possibility of assistance from several other clubs, will help the Dingoes field a team in both senior grades of the Casey Cardinia League division for the remainder of 2006 and give it some momentum leading into next year.