By David Nagel
Berwick has fallen agonisingly short of a perfect start to its new life in the Eastern Football League (EFL) with a two-point loss to Noble Park at Edwin Flack Reserve.
The Wickers had three more scoring shots than the Bulls, but failed to capitalise in an 8.13.61 to 7.17.59 loss in front of a huge home-town crowd that was enthralled to the final siren.
Berwick’s first match since crossing to the EFL Premier Division from AFL Outer East was a real arm-wrestle, with the Bulls’ six-point lead at quarter time the biggest lead at any change of end.
There was no respite in the pressure and intensity with both south-east powerhouses desperate for the opening round scalp.
Berwick shot itself in the foot with its inaccuracy, with the usually deadly duo of Harry Money (1.5) and Tim Gunn (1.4) contributing two goals nine between them, which included some missed set shots from front of goal.
Berwick had many players step up to the mark with exciting left-footer Will Arthurson joining class performer Michael Riseley and the reliable Riley Heddles in a sturdy backline combination.
The class of Travis Tuck also stood out, with the gun midfielder amassing many possessions and kicking two goals in a solid start to his 2021 campaign.
Berwick president Glenn Gambetta was feeling mixed emotions as he reflected on his club’s EFL debut, which attracted a crowd of between 2000 to 2500 people.
“From a non-playing point of view it was a fantastic day for the club, we’ve never had a home and away crowd like it,” Gambetta said.
“There was a great atmosphere around the ground and our functions and canteen were all sold out, so it was great for the club from that perspective.
“And with the football, we started out just hoping to hold our own and be competitive but as the day unfolded we thought we were a chance. We’re happy with our performance but we’re a club that hates to lose so it’s a bit frustrating to get so close and not get the points.
“We just want to build respect for the Berwick Football Club this year and keep our place in the premier division…that’s our ultimate aim.”
Berwick travels to Seebeck Oval on Saturday to play Rowville – who had a bye last week – for a 1.10pm start.
The biggest positive for Berwick on the weekend was the opening-round win of its rejuvenated women’s team, who defeated South Belgrave Lyndhurst by 30 points, 6.5.41 to 1.5.11.
Courtney De Kroon was the star of the show for the Wickers, booting three goals in a match-winning display up forward, while Jess Szalek and Cassie martin were influential figures around the ground.
And the girls have certainly made an early impact on their club president.
“It’s fantastic to have the women back again after years without a team and they’re so important to our club,” Gambetta said.
“The girls are really getting involved, we had many of them turn out and help with our clean-up day on Sunday and that was fantastic to see.”
The Berwick women’s team travel to Rowville this Saturday for a 3.30pm start.
