A Berri good performance

 

BERRI V BARMERA MONASH RFL – ROUND 12 2011, Sat July 16th 2011

By Nick Kossatch at Berri

Berri has announced that it will be a major participant come the RFL finals time after its’ run-away 31-point win against Barmera-Monash in Berri.

The Demons used its home ground to advantage with Norwood recruit Toby Schlulz (seven goals) on fire in the opening quarter. He booted three goals and Martin Barber kicked two as the pair capitalised on the midfield dominance of Berri. Chris Scholefield did as he pleased roaming far and wide gathering telling possessions.

Ex-Barmera player Jack Barker was also prominent and had a hand in Schultz’ third goal. Jake Langdon, Nathan Geyer, Kieren Stone and the hard-running skipper Peter Safralidis were too slick for a sloppy Roos outfit. Only the speedy Justin Broughton and half forward Lachlan Middleton kicked a goal each to provide some scoreboard pressure but Barmera faced a 28-point deficit at quarter time. Sam Hirschi impressed with his mobility and he kicked an important goal from a strong mark for Berri.

It seemed the teams swapped jumpers as the visitors stormed back into the contest ignited by a terrific snap by wingman Michael Smart. After Schulz slotted through his fourth goal, a succession of Barmera majors levelled the score. Brett McPherson booted a team-lifting goal from the boundary and the hard-working Murray Middleton (four goals) worked his way into the game with two goals as the Roos came into half time with the momentum. Mason Middleton won most taps and Dillon Millard continued his strong form.

Barmera hit the lead momentarily early in the third quarter when experienced Simon Peucker made the most of a poor Berri kickout. The move of Barber into the middle regained the midfield spark of the first quarter for the 2010 premiers. The admirable Greg White stopped a Barmera forward entry and it culminated with a soccer-style goal to Barber. Barber’s touches and Safralidis vice-like tackle on Darren Perry in the middle of the ground, coupled with ill-discipline from Barmera gifted goals to Schulz and emerging young star Brad Dolling and these turned the fortunes Berri’s way.

Despite the best efforts of Dillon Millard, whose superb double sidestep resulted in the final quarter opening goal – Berri booted another six goals to the end where the least amount of goals were scored. Jack Barker was awarded the Centenary Medal but he would have had challengers like Geyer who was hard, clean and certain all day. Langdon tormented Barmera yet again with his work in the clinches and Schulz was brilliant with seven goals and ‘Saf’ played another grand game.

VOTES: 5 – Toby Schulz (B)

4 – Jack Barker (B)

3 – Dillon Millard (BM)

2 – Nathan Geyer (B)

1 – Murray Middleton (BM)

Editor’s note: please don’t blame Nick for the truly awful title pun. It was down to me. Gigs

 

 

 

About Nicholas Kossatch

Tall and intelligent and athletically built who calls a spade a spade. Love sports writing and sending letters and texts to the editor about AFL and the Port Adelaide Power - win, lose or draw. I do not sit on the fence. Soon to be 40! I play basketball and over 35's supers football. Have played amateur footy and a bit of cricket and basketball when living in Adelaide. Do some writing for the Murray Pioneer,

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