DIVISION ONE
ROSEBUD claimed a tight one-point victory over Seaford at Belvedere Reserve in a result that effectively ensures Rosebud will not finish in the last place of MPNFL Division One.
The win, Rosebud’s fourth for the year, puts them 10 points clear of bottom place Seaford with just four games left to play. Seaford have won just one game all year but will need to win at least three of their remaining four games to close that gap.
Their game on Saturday started strongly for Rosebud, as two Keegan Downie goals within the opening 10 minutes saw the travelling side go into the quarter time break looking comfortable with a two-goal lead.
In the second quarter, Seaford fought hard to drag themselves back in the game. Although they had closed the margin to less than a kick by the main break, they again failed to deal with Keegan Downie, who scored another two majors and was looking dangerous.
After the restart of play, Rosebud came racing out of the gates with three goals inside the first eight minutes of play. Seaford quickly wrestled back control though, kicking their way back into the contest and ensuring the margin only stood at seven points at the three-quarter time break.
Rosebud’s accuracy was keeping them in the game, as they had kicked 11 goals and just one behind by the final break.
Although Seaford fought valiantly, they just couldn’t do enough in the final term to drag themselves over the line, as they eventually went down to Rosebud by the narrowest of margins 11.9 (75) to 12.4 (76).
Keegan Downie proved the difference for the winning side, booting six goals in a best on ground performance.
The result is the second one-point victory in as many weeks after Mornington upset Mt Eliza last Sunday in a thriller 7.8 (50) to 7.9 (51).
The Bulldogs were underdogs going into the clash but fought hard to hold a narrow lead throughout the day. Mt Eliza took the lead in the final term, but Mornington did well to snatch a goal back and secure a close win.
Jackson Calder was the Bulldogs’ best with three goals.
The remainder of games for the round will be played next weekend.
First published in the Mornington News – 17 July 2018
