Week 3 saw another double header in Endeavour Hills on Sunday. The Warriors took on the up and coming Dragons whilst the Barbarians faced a rebuilding Miners team.

The Warriors were first to hit the field on the weekend, and in great conditions for football were able to run the ball effectively with RB Luke Jackson scoring some big runs through the middle.

The Warriors were missing a few players due to injury and unavailabilities but were able to bring up some players from the Barbarians without any issues. OT Joel Fitzimmons, CB/WR Russell Howe and WR/RB John Iannou were all contributors on the day.

A good day meant QB Dom Dearman was able to use his arm quite a bit as well as he was able to move around the field and throw to all receivers on the park. First gamer WR Owen Hayden was able to hit the ground running and reel in a couple of Touchdowns of his own.

In the end, a well balanced effort and a solid 44-6 win over the Bendigo Dragons.

The Barbarians were up next to take on the home team Berwick Miners in what was anticipated to be the match of the week for the League. The Miners have struggled and look to be rebuilding under new HC Mark Petana and the Barbarians (missing a few players) were looking to close the gap between the old Div 2 teams and Div 1 teams.

It was the Barbarians who were able to step up first and take control of the game with QB Heath Decker avoiding defenders and spreading the ball to Wide Receivers Martin Moran & Zac Braun whilst RB James Pho was able to rush for some tough yards against a big Defensive Line from the Miners. The Barbarians through James Pho were able to put up 2 scores whilst the Barbarians Defense were able to control and put pressure on a nervous Miners Offense.

The Barbarians Offense were slowed a little in the second half and the Miners looked like they were able to kick into gear with an effective running game and able to punch in a score but trail 22-8.

A Final touchdown by RB Stuart Mackenzie sealed victory for the Barbarians as they become the first (previously Div 2 team) to deafeat a Div 1 team.

Next week will see another double header, this time in Croydon on Saturday. The Barbarians take on the strong South Eastern Predators which could possibly be the game of the round whilst the Warriors take on the Croydon Rangers from 1:30PM.

Let’s make it another 2/2 for the week!