NEPEAN LEAGUE
By Toe Punt
RED HILL has claimed top spot on the Nepean League ladder after leading all day to beat Crib Point.
In the battle for top spot, Red Hill jumped out of the blocks and led at every change, eventually winning 14.8-92 to 10.13-73.
The Hillmen dethroned the Magpies at the top of the ladder, led by Marcus Dal Lago and YCW recruit Paul Wintle.
In attack, Red Hill continues to get maximum benefit from Jarrod Eames, who finished with four goals, while Ben Maguiness (three majors) is getting forward and contributing on the scoreboard, something that is new to his game.
Matt Hyden played his best game for the Hillmen since crossing from Ballarat in the off-season and Michael Mock is delivering on a consistent basis.
The visitors got as much as six goals up during the second quarter, however, as it has done often this season, the Magpies never threw the cue in the rack.
The Pies couldn’t get closer than three goals though.
Luke Herrington and Dean Warry were outstanding for the black and white while Glenn Boyd was dominant again in attack with four goals.
Red Hill coach Tony Blackford said he knew Crib Point would come at them.
“Their form suggests that they are fit and play the game right to the final siren,” said Blackford.
“We knew that to beat a good side like Crib Point, we had to play 100 minutes of football. We saw against Rye what can happen if you drop off.”
Blackford said he was happy where his team was at heading into the bye.
“If I had of told you we would be on top of the ladder with just one loss after six rounds, I’m sure you would have said we were getting ahead of ourselves,” said Blackford.
“We added some very good players to a talented list during the off-season and we knew that if we could bring our best to the table each week, we would be competitive against every side.
“We’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way. However, we are only six games in and there’s a lot of football still to be played,” he said.
Frankston Bombers went very close to causing the upset of the season, going down to Sorrento by just nine points, 9.9-63 to 10.14-74.
It took a last quarter onslaught from the Sharks to get over the line after trailing the Bombers at every change.
The home side led Sorrento by 16 points at quarter time, ten points at half time and by eight points at the last change.
However, the likes of Jonny Casper, Trevor Mattison and Leigh Poholke with five goals really stood up for the Sharks in the final term and they were able to boot 5.2 to 2.1 to grab victory.
Once again, despite being in a winnable position, the Bombers were unable to hold off a fast finishing opposition (it happened against Hastings on Anzac Day).
Jay Reynolds with three goals was again outstanding for the Bombers, while Jason Bedford was back and at his best. Ryan Marks-Logan was also a four quarter contributor for the Bombers.
Dromana and Pearcedale went on a goal feast on Saturday, booting 46 between them.
Anthony Bruhn booted eight for the Tigers, while Steve Gaertner booted five and Daniel Waddell four in their 31.15-201 to 15.12-102 victory.
It’s amazing to think that the Panthers booted 15 goals and still went down by 99 points.
Basil Sibosado was again outstanding for the Panthers with four goals while Ben Cadd and Dylan Hoare led from the front.
Hastings, despite missing a handful of their best players, proved too strong for Devon Meadows.
The Blues led at every change with Steve Robb carrying on his reserves domination with four goals.
The Blues extended their lead at every break, winning 16.10-106 to 6.9-45.
Daniel Wishart is playing inspired football at the moment and he is almost unstoppable when he is at his best. Colin McVeigh is another who is at the top of his game and Luke Hewitt was outstanding with four goals.
Devon Meadows booted just two goals in the second half and didn’t kick a goal in the third quarter.
Despite being extremely active in the off season with recruits, Devon is really disappointing.
James Bow booted four to be a highlight and Jesse Dehey was back to his best, along with Gavin Kerr.
Rye was able to hold off a fast finishing Somerville in their match at the nest, winning a thriller, 15.14-104 to 15.8-98.
It was a really important game for both clubs, the win launching the winner into the top five at the first interval of the season.
Ben Holmes was back for the Demons and was probably the difference between the sides in the end, booting five goals.
Aaron Findlay continued his purple patch, finishing with four majors and Rhett Sutton dominated in the ruck after a spell with injury.
Rye is starting to get its best side out on the park and will be close to full strength after the bye, including possibly Ryan Semmell, who is currently in the Foxtel Reality TV show, The Rookie.
Callan Dixon was electric for the Eagles, David Hirst booted four goals and Travis Bravo and Leigh Stewart were excellent over four quarters.
Rosebud did what it needed to do and that was to beat Tyabb comfortably.
The Yabbies still managed to score, however, finishing with nine goals. Rosebud booted 27.
Keegan Downie played the match of his life with eight goals for the Buds while Tom Baker and Ben Dwyer each finished with five goals. Greg Bentley was outstanding once again.
Shane Waterstone and Ethan Rahilly were the best of the Yabbies, while Jake Anderson was also among the votes with two goals.
