History Can't Help Lions As Pies Run Riot

Illawarra Mercury

Monday April 28, 2008

By TIM KEEBLE

HISTORY told Berry-Shoalhaven Heads to prepare for a down-to-the-wire thriller in Saturday's Group Seven stoush with Gerringong.

But after building a 14-6 half-time lead, a clinical Magpies blew Gerringong off the park to win 34-12.

"Our games against Gerringong are notoriously close. Last year's games were decided by two and four points, so it was really pleasing and also a bit of a surprise to run up a decent score," Berry captain-coach Trent Burns said.

"We just did all the little things right. We improved our completion rate and our kicking game and did a good job around the rucks, and those things made all the difference."

Runners-up in 2007, the Magpies are 2-2 after four rounds.

Burns, who scored two tries, said his side was working hard to become more consistent.

"We're our own worst enemy at times. We shoot ourselves in the foot with our execution," he said.

"The effort's always there and we usually aim up in defence.

" Our attack was a lot better against Gerringong than it was last week against Warilla.

"We're a different side when we hold onto the ball and it's just the lapses in concentration and discipline that sometimes hurt us."

Lions prop Justin O'Hare could be facing a brief stint on the sidelines after being sent off for a high tackle with 10 minutes to play.

"It wasn't malicious," Burns said.

"I think it was more because he'd been warned twice and that was his third one."

The Magpies will be seeking their third win in this weekend's grand final rematch with Albion Park-Oak Flats at Centenary Field.

Gerringong will be aiming to bounce back in their home game against Shoalhaven.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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