Titans off to brilliant start in first ever match

With the first round of 2021 in the bank Berwick Springs, as one of the newest teams of the AFL Outer East competition, capped off the round with a sensational victory over the weekend, defeating Belgrave by 23 points at Belgrave Recreation Reserve.

In a match where the Titans had the Magpies under control from start to finish, inaccurate kicking in front of goal ultimately cost them from pushing the game out to a greater margin, with the final scores showing 12.16-88 to 9.11-65.

Senior coach Rodney Benstead was pleased with the efforts of his side given the disruptions they have endured over the off-season.

“I was wrapped with the effort that everyone put in on the day and it was a great reward for the performance they put in,” Benstead said.

“To see the way the boys were playing, I was super proud of them.”

The performance with which the side put in was a key reflection for how hard they have been training over the pre-season.

A key component of the game which Benstead instils into his players is their willingness to attack the ball and stop opponents in their tracks, which were some of the key areas of the match they had nailed.

“Our tackle count was at 88 which is amazing along with inside 50’s, clearances and stoppages which are all the things we rate highly at our club,” Benstead explained.

“When the forwards are able to get good supply, you give yourself every opportunity to put a score on the board.”

The strong showing for the Titans in their first ever game as a football side was a key indication of how great the culture is at the club.

Still waiting for the completion on the build of their brand-new facility, Berwick Springs have had their own setbacks to overcome, with changes in training venues and a combination of other things thrown at them, yet the club managed to find ways to stick together.

With good numbers and plenty of support across the day, Benstead was pleased with what his side could bring to the game.

“I’m very big on the enjoyment of the game, teamwork and what my players can get out of it,” Benstead said.

“Each player provides a real skillset for us, so when you have that trust in people and can work hard, it really makes for a great performance.”

With the first win on the board and sitting in third position on the ladder, the Titans will now turn its attention to their round two clash against Officer on Saturday, with plenty of areas for improvement already targeted for the remainder of the season.

With such improvements including their shots for goal and receiving balls inside forward 50, Benstead has no doubt his side will improve quickly to make themselves better for their opposition.

“Straight after the game, I gave them a good wrap because I think they deserved it and then I talked about recovery and preparing for the next game,” Benstead mentioned.

“As a coach you move on pretty quickly, I’ve already had a look at Officer and what they’re like and I’ve already identified areas to improve upon.”

“We all play for each other and I have no doubt we are going to improve; I am really pumping them up for this week.”

Benstead thanked the Berwick Springs community for their contributions so far and expressed his joy at being able to resume local sport again.

“I would like to thank the whole club for the efforts they have put in to date,” he mentioned.

“Our netball teams also got off to a really great start as well, it’s so nice to be part of local sport again.”