MPNFL

DIVISION ONE

PINES are still in the hunt for finals after a thrilling win over Sorrento on Saturday.

The Pythons looked good from the start at David Macfarlane Reserve. They took a healthy 26 point lead into the final term.

Sorrento worked hard in the final quarter to get back into the contest. Pines were able to do enough to keep them at bay.

Despite the late scare, Pines ended up winning 7.9 (51) to 8.12 (60). Nick Boswell booted five goals, making him one of the best on ground.

The Pythons will go into the final home-and-away round in sixth place, behind fifth place Frankston Bombers by just two points.

The Bombers kept hold of fifth by defeating bottom place Edithvale-Aspendale. The Bombers were victorious by 38 points 10.16 (76) to 5.8 (38).

The Bombers will play Rosebud this weekend in the final round. Pines will need to beat Mt Eliza.

The Redlegs fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition by knocking off ladder leaders Frankston YCW on Saturday.

Both sides had to contend with bad weather at Emil Madsen Reserve. The Stonecats had trouble finding the scoreboard all day.

Mt Eliza emerged from the scrappy contest victorious. They won 7.9 (51) to 3.5 (23).

Frankston YCW will still go into finals in first place, but the loss shows they can be beaten. Mt Eliza are second, ahead of Bonbeach on percentage.

Bonbeach and Dromana rounded out the winner’s list with wins over Red Hill and Rosebud respectively.

DIVISION TWO

PEARCEDALE will play finals in 2022 after seeing off Chelsea on Saturday.

Both sides were playing for fifth spot. Pearcedale stamped their authority on the game early, and managed to keep up the pressure.

Pearcedale led at each break of play. Although Chelsea kept within reach they couldn’t do enough to get in front.

Pearcedale triumphed by 13 points, taking fifth spot from Chelsea and booking an elimination final with Devon Meadows this weekend.

The final score was Pearcedale 13.10 (88) to Chelsea 12.3 (75). Robert Arnott, Jake Frawley, and Cruiz West were among the best.

Devon Meadows secured their finals spot with a big win over Seaford. They beat the Tigers by 55 points at RF Miles Reserve.

The Panthers led all day long. A thumping six goals to zero final term was the cherry on top as Devon Meadows won 6.7 (43) to 14.14 (98).

Wild weather saw the match between Langwarrin and Tyabb thrown out. Langwarrin went the whole season without defeat, finishing 17-0. They will head into finals the favourites for the premiership and promotion.

Second-placed Karingal impressed on Saturday by beating Crib Point 11.10 (76) to 18.18 (126). Somerville clinched third spot with a 17 point win over Rye.

Mornington finished their season on a positive note, triumphing by a goal over Hastings.

Devon Meadows will play Pearcedale in the elimination final on Sunday, 2pm, at Chelsea Recreation Reserve. The qualifying final will be this Saturday at 2pm – Karingal will battle Somerville at RJ Rowley Reserve.

First published in the Mornington News – 16 August 2022