PENINSULA LEAGUE
KARINGAL came from 30 points down at three quarter time to overrun Mornington in a six point nail biter on Saturday.
The Bulls, who had four Under 19s and two Under 17s playing in their team, more than doubled their score in the final quarter, booting six goals to one to run out 12.8 (80) to 11.8 (74) winners.
Despite having their fair share of the footy in the second and third quarters, the Bulls could not penetrate the scoreboard with both key forwards Leigh Poholke and Chris Hay struggling with leg injuries.
However, coach Michael Triep made some changes at the final change and the momentum swung. The Bulls kicked the first goal of the last quarter in the opening minute and the roll began.
Triep said the result was “something special”.
“I think having the likes of key defender Luke Van Raay and key forward Harry Czarnecki out of the team and Hay and Poholke on one leg and to still get up and win with was a super effort,” said Triep.
“We had six kids under the age of 19 playing, including a couple of 17-year-olds, so that experience of coming back from five goals down will hold them in good stead.”
One of the Under 17s playing was state 100m sprint champion Kyle Nunn, who ran and carried the footy all afternoon, while Josh Bradley is a tough kid who just won a lot of important ball for the Bulls when it mattered.
“Michael Burke was superb in the last quarter when we moved him forward and Grant Goodall dominated Michael Gay in the second half and that made a huge difference to the result too,” said Triep.
Despite being on one leg, Poholke booted the goal that drew the Bulls level and the one that put them in front.
“Polks is a bit sore and he’ll enjoy the week off, as a number of our players will,” said Triep.
Mornington again let itself down in the final quarter.
“Going in I knew they were one of the worst performing final quarter teams, so I certainly shared that with my players at three quarter time,” said Triep.
Mornington led 31 to two at quarter time, 43 to 24 at half time and 67 to 37 at the last change.
Frankston YCW led Chelsea by just eight points at half time on Saturday, 37 to 29. An hour later, the Stonecats had a further 29 scoring shots to just three and won 16.25 (121) to 5.7 (37).
Again, Kyle Hutchison dominated through the middle, Ryley Hodson and Kevin Lylak down back and Paul Minchington booted five goals.
Mt Eliza played Justin Van Unen forward on Saturday and he booted six of his side’s 11 goals against Langwarrin.
The Redlegs held Langwarrin to one goal in the first half before going on to win 11.8 (74) to 5.6 (36).
Brenton Lambert on debut was named the Redlegs’ best while Van Unen and Karl Lombardozzi also performed very well.
Mitch Cuthbert and Nick Hammill were the best of the Kangas, along with the smooth moving ‘Doggie’ Withers.
The final score suggested Edithvale scraped over the line against Seaford, however, the Eagles had an additional 14 scoring shots; 12.19 (91) to 12.5 (77).
Mick Meehan was again the difference between the sides with five goals while Liam Harris, Angus Macquire and Elliott Macquire were also outstanding.
Nick Braund and Johnathan Haidon were among the best Tigers.
Bonbeach couldn’t make it four wins on the trot, soundly beaten by Pines 13.6 (84) to 7.9 (51).
Tim Bongetti was the difference between the sides with five goals while Aaron Edwards was his usual dominant self with three goals. Brad Kiely and Pat Jackson were also outstanding in the win.
Chris Bryan and Owen Hulett were the best of the Sharks. Who are still just two points outside of fifth spot.
First published in the Mornington News – 7 June 2016
