Match
report 15By David Mackie
In one word Unbelievable. What a game we saw at Berwick on the weekend. Not the prettiest of matches but certainly full of excitement. With a rejigged back line and wide running backs the game certainly started at a frenetic pace. Templestowe as we know have some quality forwards and the Berwick defence was certainly having to earn every ball. Joel Marie in goal stood tall and never looked in any trouble throughout the game. The referee was certainly going to play a part in this game and the yellow cards were flying thick and fast in the first half. A couple of chances for each side in the first half with the Templestowe Keeper pulling off two great saves, one being from Mur the other Saunders. Nil – Nil at half time.
The second half started at pace again and the referee certainly was in the thick of it. A second yellow saw the first Templestowe player given his marching orders and the crowd which had now grown gave him a humiliating send off. Within 10 minutes another Templestowe player had received a straight Red for a two footed studs up tackle and the Templestowe players were certainly venting their spleens at the referee. 9 men and Berwick continued to push with the wind playing havoc with ball retention.
The Templestowe Keeper then made another great save and as I was getting a coffee another Templestowe player received a second yellow and he was sent off. To rub salt into the wound Saunders broke free on the left and slotted from 10 yards out.
The Templestowe faithful at this stage became very agitated and fortunately cooler heads prevailed. The game then seemed to seesaw between the midfielders and when the final whistle went the score remained Berwick 1 Templestowe 0.
The song was sung and the Templestowe players and supporters showed their true character by coming into the clubrooms and having a beer or two after the game.
As I said not the prettiest of games but when your sitting on top every team you play wants to have a go and the difference this year as opposed to last is that were winning these ones.