MPNFL
MEN’S DIV ONE
MORNINGTON scored a vital win over Pines last weekend. The Bulldogs looked refreshed on Saturday after a week off. They raced out to a four goal lead by half-time. A five-goals-to-zero third term put Pines back in the hunt. The Pythons trailed by just one point heading into the final quarter. Mornington held their nerve to secure the win. They scored the first three goals of the term, and went on to grab a 12.15 (87) to 9.16 (70) victory.
Matthew Caine scored four important goals for the Bulldogs. Mitchell Bluhn and Ryan Falvo were also named among the best. The win puts Mornington on 10 points for the 2024 season. They still sit last, but are now just two points behind Langwarrin and four behind Pines.
Mt Eliza tightened their grip on second place with a comfortable win over Frankston YCW on Saturday. Mt Eliza went into the first break at John Coburn Oval ahead by seven points. The Redlegs stretched their lead out to three goals by half-time. In the second half Mt Eliza continued to pile on the pressure. They went on to beat Frankston YCW by 30 points – 7.6 (48) to 11.12 (78). Christopher Carey, Justin Davies, and Thomas Freeman were named Mt Eliza’s best.
Langwarrin had a good day at Baxter Park on Saturday. They beat Frankston Bombers by 59 points 4.12 (36) to 14.11 (95).
MEN’S DIV TWO
HASTINGS came from behind to upset Bonbeach and claim their first win of the season last weekend. Hastings has been plagued by off-field issues in 2024, which has affected their on-field performance. They travelled to Bonbeach on Saturday looking to score their first victory of the year.
Bonbeach looked comfortable in the first quarter, and raced out to a four goal lead. Hastings battled hard for the rest of the match to stay in the hunt, but still trailed by 16 points heading into the final term. Hastings made their move in the final quarter. They booted the last six goals of the game to snatch a thrilling seven point win – 9.14 (68) to 11.9 (75). Luke Clark was awesome for Hastings, booting four goals. Bradley Kovac, Jake Hewitt, Patrick Wilson, and Luca Hagai also starred in the comeback victory.
Crib Point defeated Devon Meadows in a thriller last weekend. The Magpies and Panthers are both enjoying strong seasons, and are in contention for finals. They faced off at Glover Reserve on Saturday. The two sides were equally matched all day long – scores were level at the quarter time and half time breaks, and Crib Point led by five heading into the final term. Devon Meadows went a point ahead in the final quarter, but didn’t hold onto the lead for long. With the game on the line, Crib Point stood tall. The Magpies booted two late goals to claim a 9.12 (66) to 11.11 (77) win. Liam Tyrell was named best on ground for his four-goal effort.
Chelsea and Edithvale-Aspendale both continued their winning ways on Saturday. Chelsea pumped Seaford by 68 points, and Edi-Asp smashed Tyabb by 59.
Pearcedale defeated Karingal by 40 points at Kinetic Stadium in Frankston last weekend. The first clash between those teams earlier this season was marred by a racism scandal, which Pearcedale was swiftly punished for.
Somerville beat Rye by 66 points to close out the round.
WOMEN’S DIV ONE
FRANKSTON gave the undefeated Warragul Industries a scare on Sunday, but ended up falling short. Frankston shocked the home side in the first half. They held Warragul scoreless in the first term, and ended up taking a five-point lead into the main break.
Warragul Industries were a better side in the second half. They showed the ability that has put them on top of the ladder this season, and held Frankston scoreless for the rest of the game. Warragul Industries ran away with a 5.9 (39) to 3.5 (23) win. Lily Van Berkel, Abbie Hoiberg-Cox, Kelly O’Neill, Nikia Webber, and Ahlee Penry were their best – Webber booted four of her side’s five goals.
Karingal picked up a comfortable win over Pearcedale on Saturday. The Bulls won 11.8 (74) to 4.4 (28).
Seaford dispatched Mornington White 4.7 (31) to 12.5 (77) last weekend. Mornington Blue had a bye.
First published in the Mornington News – 18th June 2024
