Author: Brodie Cowburn

AUSTRALIA’S consumer watchdog has warned people to be aware of scammers using the COVID-19 crisis to sell fake cures and products. The ACCC put out a statement today (20 March) confirming that they have received 94 scam reports relating to coronavirus this year. They said that that figure is rising. ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said “unfortunately, scammers are using the uncertainty around COVID-19, or coronavirus, to take advantage of people”. “We’ve had a wide variety of scams reported to us, including fake online stores selling products claiming to be a vaccine or cure for coronavirus, and stores selling products…

AFL South East has made the call to postpone the start of the season for local football leagues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mornington Peninsula Nepean and South East Women’s leagues have been postponed until 1 June. For junior players the Frankston and Districts, South East, and Mornington Peninsula leagues have also been delayed until 1 June. The postponement also applies to the Auskick and umpiring programs. In addition to the cancellation of games, AFL South East has also put a ban on training and practice matches with immediate effect. An AFL South East statement read that “due to…

THE Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association board has voted to cancel local cricket competitions in response to the coronavirus crisis. Grand Finals in senior MPCA competitions were set to take place next weekend, but will not go ahead. The association has not yet decided whether premierships will be awarded for the 2019/2020 season. MPCA president Steven Morone said “we understand this is extremely disappointing for all clubs that have made it into the finals after a long season.” “The decision has not been taken lightly and has been one of considerable discussion and angst for the board,” he said. “This decision…

THE show will not go on at the Frankston Arts Centre. The centre will close for nearly a month, from 16 March to 13 April, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A statement put out by the Frankston Arts Centre on 16 March read that “in line with the latest advice from the Australian federal and Victorian governments on the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, Frankston Arts Centre will be temporarily closed from Monday 16 March through until Monday 13 April.” “The venue closure means that all scheduled performances and events from Monday 16 March to Monday 13…

THE Mornington Peninsula Nepean, South East Women’s, Frankston and District Junior, and Mornington Peninsula Junior football leagues face delayed starts to their seasons due to COVID-19 concerns. AFL South East, which oversees the leagues, issued a statement on 16 March outlining the measures they are taking to prevent the spread of the virus. “AFLSE will take advice from the AFL and AFL Victoria in relation to preparations for the start of the season. Key operational staff are currently working on different scenarios on how the season may look in the case of an expected delayed commencement to the 2020 season,”…

PENINSULA RED Hill hosted Pines on Saturday as semi final matches got underway in the MPCA. The Hillmen won the toss and chose to bat first. They got off to a horrible start, losing their opening three batsmen for a combined total of just fourteen runs. Star player Simon Dart came in at number four and put together another good innings. He hit 56 runs from 179 deliveries to help get his side back on track after their shaky opening. Brent Martin also played well for Red Hill during their first innings, putting 46 runs on the board. The knock…

PENINSULA LONG Island have taken the chocolates against Heatherhill in a high scoring one day clash. Heatherhill chose to bat first, and played well. Kristian Miller was their best performer, scoring 95 runs before being run out. After their 40 overs, Heatherhill finished at 7/198. Long Island got off to a good start in their run chase, with opener Nick Jewell in fine form. Jewell scored 94 runs before being caught out. The score is his fourth in the nineties for the season. Long Island ended up reaching their target with six wickets in hand and three overs left to…

EXPANDING public transport in Frankston has been listed as a “priority initiative” by Infrastructure Australia. Infrastructure Australia’s latest priority list shows that “optimising the existing bus network, increasing bus service frequency and coverage,” and “upgrades to rail services and infrastructure” are seen as ways of improving Frankston. The list includes 150 “priority” or “high priority” projects and initiatives throughout Australia. Committee for Greater Frankston CEO Ginevra Hosking described Frankston’s inclusion as “fantastic news and proof that solving the region’s lack of public transport is a state and nationally important project, one that’s vital to unleash the potential of our region”.…

PENINSULA A CENTURY from Jake Theobald got Heatherhill over the line in a nail biter against Pines. Chasing 253 to win on day two, Heatherhill had a tough task ahead of them. Heatherill ended up in a difficult position at 7/156 before Theobald took control. He scored 102 not out. Heatherhill ended up getting over the line with just two wickets in hand and four balls left to spare. Things were more comfortable for Somerville on Saturday, as they put Moorooduc to the sword. Somerville had already wrapped up a win on day one, and were looking for an outright…

PENINSULA A BRILLIANT knock by opener Riley Shaw has put Red Hill in a good position in their two day clash against Pearcedale. Shaw has struggled with form this season, but showed his ability with a massive score on Saturday. He scored 93 before being caught and bowled. A strong middle order performance by Red Hill brought them to a total of 5/242 after 60 overs. The Hillmen declared, wanting a chance to attack Pearcedale’s batting lineup. Pearcedale came in to bat for a disastrous 20 overs before stumps. They ended the day at 5/32, facing certain defeat. At Bruce…

PENINSULA PEARCEDALE have slumped to an outright loss against Long Island. Long Island put on an aggressive display on day one, replying to Pearcedale’s first innings score of 71 with 1/128. They declared after just 22 overs, sending Pearcedale back in to face the music again on day two. Adam Tweddle was the star of the show on day two, posting figures of 5/27 off 19 overs to inflict further misery onto Pearcedale. After 45 overs, Pearcedale were dismissed for 56. To lock in an outright win, Long Island came in for one over and put the final two runs…

PENINSULA A BRILLIANT knock of 86 not out from Simon Dart helped Red Hill to a big total against Moorooduc on Saturday. Choosing to bat first at home, Red Hill were impressive. Opener Matthew Merifield also played a big part for his side, passing his half century. Red Hill finished the day at 266, setting Moorooduc a formidable target to chase down on day two of their match. Tom Shayler was the pick of the bowlers for Moorooduc. He took a five wicket haul, and posted final figures of 5/70. Shayler is in good form, and has taken two 5…

PENINSULA HEATHERHILL had to work for it, but eventually defeated Moorooduc in a hard fought one day match on Saturday. Moorooduc chose to bat first on their home deck and did well, scoring 170 before being sent packing. Each of Heatherhill’s five bowlers managed to grab a wicket, with Jake Theobald and Aidan Lenehan taking three apiece. Heatherhill’s run chase started well, and they were flying at 1/112. Steven O’Donnell and Kristian Miller both passed their half century for Heatherhill, helping them secure the win with four wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. Somerville and Long Island also…

PENINSULA A HAT trick from Pines bowler Jackson Mockett was not enough to get his side over the line against Somerville on Saturday. Pines had a lot of work to do at Eric Bell Reserve, having only made 94 runs the week prior on day one of their clash. Mockett’s haul of 6/41 was impressive, but Somerville still managed to grab the win. They finished all out for 169 runs. Pines’ second innings finished at 7/90. At Ballam Park East, Red Hill did enough to grab a win over Long Island. Chasing 112 to win, Red Hill started things off…

PENINSULA PINES have fallen to a first day defeat in their two day clash against Somerville. Pines were sent in to bat first and struggled from the outset. None of their top order batsmen managed to reach double digit figures, and they were rolled for a disappointing total of 94. Star bowler Jayde Herrick was in fine from once again for Somerville, posting figures of 5/28 in their first innings. Somerville made quick work of their target, and finished the day at 3/103 from 35 overs. At Ballam Park, Red Hill are on the verge of securing victory in their…

PENINSULA SOMERVILLE star Jayde Herrick took 11 wickets and scored a century in a dazzling display of cricket against Pearcedale on Saturday. Somerville thrashed their opponents to claim an outright win on day one of their matchup. Pearcedale came in to bat first and were thoroughly embarrassed. None of their batsmen managed to reach double digit figures and the side was bowled out for 28 off 24 overs. Herrick posted figures of 6/13 off 12 overs, which alone would have made him the man of the match, but he wasn’t content to stop there. Herrick opened the batting for Somerville…

PENINSULA PEARCEDALE have slumped to an outright loss against Pines at home. After being bowled out for 85 on day one, Pines declared at 0/95 to set themselves up for a shot at an outright win. Pearcedale’s second innings went a little better, but they still gave Pines an opening to come back in and chase them down. They were bowled out for 121 of 54 overs. Pines made quick work of the rest of the day, reaching their target after 23 overs to secure a second innings victory. At Ditterich Reserve, Main Ridge and Red Hill’s contest went down…

PENINSULA PINES have secured a trouble free victory over Pearcedale in the first day of their two day battle. Pearcedale were sent in to bat first, and struggled badly. Their top order collapsed, and from 4/20 they never recovered. Pearcedale ended up all out for 85 runs. Pines came in and quickly chased that down, declaring at 0/95 off 21 overs to give them a chance at grabbing an outright win this weekend. Pearcedale will restart at 1/6 on day two. Long Island have set a mammoth target for Somerville to chase down in the first day of their matchup.…

PENINSULA A BRILLIANT performance from Moorooduc has seen them claim an outright win over Pearcedale at home. Pearcedale were bowled out for just 110 in their first innings, which Moorooduc chased down with pace. Moorooduc ended up being bowled out for 222 off just 41 overs, allowing them another opportunity to take on Pearcedale’s batsmen. Pathum De Mel was Moorooduc’s best, smashing 7 sixes on his way to an entertaining total of 70. Pearcedale’s innings got off to a horror start when they lost their opening batsman for a duck off a run out. Things didn’t get much better for…

PENINSULA MAIN RIDGE have had a tough afternoon in day one of their clash against Somerville. Main Ridge came in to bat first, and had difficulties. First drop batsman Chris Parker was their best performer with a half century, but he got no help from the rest of the top order. They ended up bowled out for 133, with 26 overs left to play for the afternoon. Jayde Herrick took seven wickets. Somerville had no trouble chasing down their target, and ended up at 1/148 at stumps, securing them the first innings win. Brenton Alp was electric with bat in…

PENINSULA A KNOCK of 98 from Nick Jewell helped Long Island to a comfortable win over Pearcedale last weekend. Pearcedale came in to bat first in the one day clash, and finished up at 8/143 from their 40 overs. Andrew Tweddle took 4/23 to help restrict Pearcedale to a low total. With Jewell in full flight, Long Island were able to reach their target with relative ease. They claimed the win with eight wickets and 18 overs to spare. At Ditterich Reserve, a stunning century from Damien Lawrence helped Pines get a win over Main Ridge. Lawrence came in as…

PENINSULA SOMERVILLE have chased down Red Hill to claim an impressive win in their first two day outing for the season. With a target of 194 to meet, Somerville started poorly when they lost an opener for a duck. Their other opener Jayde Herrick did better, scoring 35 runs to give his team a little bit of momentum. A strong middle order performance sealed the victory for Somerville, with each of their batsmen from number three to number seven contributing with scores of over 25. Somerville ended up securing victory with five wickets and five overs to spare. At Ditterich…

PENINSULA MAIN Ridge had a good day in their first two day outing of the season, bowling out Pearcedale without much trouble. Pearcedale were sent in to bat first at Ditterich Reserve, and struggled badly. After not finding much luck with the bat early, a complete tail order collapse saw Pearcedale bowled out for 87. Each of Pearcedale’s bottom three batsmen were dismissed for a duck. Main Ridge were able to bat 18 overs before stumps for the day, and ended up at 1/59. Michael Holmes impressed for Main Ridge, and ended up at 40 not out. Red Hill played…

PENINSULA RED Hill have secured a narrow win over Pines away from home. Playing out of Eric Bell Reserve, the travelling Red Hill chose to bat first. They lost their first opener for a duck but recovered well from there. All of Red Hill’s middle order performed well on the day, and they ended up putting 189 runs on the board by the time their innings expired. Pines bowler Patrick Jackson played a part, helping to clean up the tail and finishing with good figures of 4/24. Pines’ run chase started well with a 38 run opening stand, but they…

PENINSULA RED Hill have started their 2019/2020 season with a bang after a thrilling win over Long Island. Long Island chose to bat first and set a tough target of 175 runs for Red Hill to chase down. Opener Nick Jewell impressed for Long Island with 59 runs before he was caught and bowled. In response, Red Hill looked shaky and found themselves struggling at 2/22. A stunning 97 run third wicket partnership got their run chase back on track, but after their middle order were removed the tail began to struggle. With just one wicket in hand, Red Hill…

DIVISION ONE SEASON WRAP WINNERS: Dromana THE Tigers came into division one full of confidence after winning promotion last year, but not even their most optimistic fans could have predicted the success to come. Dromana were impressive in 2018 and ran out deserving premiers of the second division. They made history by becoming the first side to be promoted in the new two division MPNFL format, and their performance in division one would prove to be an interesting insight into the gap between the two competitions. Dromana didn’t miss a beat and relished the opportunity to play against the best.…

DIVISION TWO SEASON WRAP WINNERS: Red Hill THE Hillmen had a game plan in 2019. They worked hard in defence all season long, and it paid off handsomely. Although it may not be the most attractive brand of football, the Hillmen found success by keeping their opposition off the scoreboard. It worked wonders, as the finished top of the ladder with just two losses to their name and nearly half as many points conceded as their next best rivals. Their toughest task was facing Karingal in the grand final. The Bulls’ firepower in their forward line might have been enough…

DIVISION ONE DROMANA have made history by winning the MPNFL Division One and Division Two premierships in consecutive years. The Tigers travelled to Frankston Park on Sunday to take on powerhouse club Sorrento in a much anticipated Grand Final showdown. Dromana came into the clash looking to go back to back after their second division triumph last year, and Sorrento were looking for retribution after falling just short in last year’s big dance. Both sides had to battle through tough conditions throughout the afternoon. Dromana came out narrow leaders after a tense first quarter, and took a one point lead…

DIVISION TWO RED Hill have been crowned as MPNFL Division Two premiers for 2019. The Hillmen ran onto Frankston Park on Saturday with fire in their bellies, looking to avenge their Grand Final loss against Dromana last season. They took on Karingal in this year’s big dance. From the outset, Red Hill defended well and were able to restrict the Bulls from scoring. The Hillmen have been notoriously difficult to score against this year, with most sides rarely managing more than a handful of goals against them. Red Hill struggled to find the scoreboard themselves, but eventually went into half…

DIVISION ONE DROMANA have booked their Grand Final spot with a win over Bonbeach. The Tigers scored the only goal of a scrappy first term, and ended up going into the half time break with an eight point lead. Dromana stretched their lead in the third term, and managed to keep the Sharks at an arm’s length. Bonbeach couldn’t close the gap, and Dromana ended up taking the win 8.7 (55) to 5.6 (36). Sam Fowler booted three goals for the winning Tigers, while Sam Guerts also had a big impact. The Tigers go into this weekend’s clash against Sorrento…