Casey Cardinia league review – round 5

By Mark Gullick
PAKENHAM levelled its win-loss ratio with an impressive 72-point victory over an insipid Berwick last Saturday.
The Lions began their 2010 premiership defence with two losses, but have now struck form and sit just outside the five.
It was a seven to three goal opening term which set the tone for Pakenham.
Berwick fought back in the second term to trail by three goals at half-time, but a surge of goals early in the third term saw Pakenham run away.
Pakenham outscored Berwick, 10 goals to two in the second half.
“We’ve been playing in patches over the last few weeks and it was good to put it together for four quarters,” Pakenham coach Ryan Cassidy said. “We played some really exciting footy and had plenty of run, carry and drive, which was a real plus.
“They’re a funny team, Berwick, as you don’t really know what to expect. They’ve had some really good scalps and they’ve been really up and down. We really rated them. We were on our game. It was pleasing to get a good start and to be able to concentrate for all four quarters.”
While Simon Ponter and Nathan Lieshout each kicked five goals, the Lions also had eight other goalkickers.
Dan O’Loughlin was superb in the midfield, collecting a plethora of possessions, as was Dom Paynter, who used his speed and skill to set up many scoring chances. Michael Hicks and Chris Cardona were also prominent.
Berwick’s inconsistent start to the season continued and coach Glenn Dale was annoyed with his players.
“Our young blokes just can’t stand up to the heat sometimes,” he said. “It’s going to take time for them to develop. Our older blokes really let us down; they were absolutely terrible. It’s up to our leaders to step up and put their hands up and say we’re going to lead you home when the young blokes are down.”
Dale was very impressed with Pakenham.
“They came to play and we didn’t come to play might be an old cliche, but that’s how it panned out. They were up and about. We made mistakes and we didn’t put our head over the ball.”
In a further blow, forward Grant Noonan was reported for kicking and will miss the next two matches.
“There was nothing there,” Dale said. “It was just movement of the legs. The goal umpire reported him as well, so we weren’t going to take that chance with the two umpires (reporting him).
“He needed a rest anyway. He needs some time away; he’s not at his best at the moment.”
Berwick will spend the break undertaking a rigorous training regime.
“A lot of hard work and late nights training,” Dale said.
“They won’t get a rest like they probably would have if they’d played with a bit more character; a bit more guts. It ain’t gonna be pretty. If we’re going to get them around someway, that’s probably the right way (to do it).”
Dale Robinson tried hard in the ruck and Stephen Morey and Rowan Prybus were the only other Berwick players of note.
Adam Dalton and Jason Heath spent time nursing hamstring injuries, but neither was serious.