Author: Brodie Cowburn

MPNFL MEN’SROSEBUD and Sorrento took centre stage on Saturday at Olympic Park. Just one point separated the two sides at the first break. Sorrento were the better side in the second term, taking a 15 point lead into half-time. Rosebud came out of the half-time break looking fired up. They piled eight goals onto the scoreboard to open up a 17 point lead.Sorrento fought back in the final quarter, but weren’t able to do enough to grab back the lead. Rosebud beat the Sharks 14.11 (95) to 13.7 (85). Liam Tidd, Stephen Cumming, Miller Stewart, Mitchell White, and William Hartung…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONESORRENTO looked to get their season back on track last weekend on the road against Pines. The Sharks have endured a difficult 2025 season so far, languishing in the bottom half of the ladder. They conceded 22 goals to Frankston YCW in their last outing, and were looking to make amends against the Pythons.Sorrento put together a better defensive display at Eric Bell Reserve on Saturday, holding Pines to ten goals. Sorrento beat Pines 10.13 (73) to 14.13 (97). Pines led by 20 points at the half-time break, but were overwhelmed in the second half. Jordan Doherty,…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEA RUTHLESS Frankston YCW piled on 22 goals to claim an impressive win over Sorrento at David McFarlan Reserve on Saturday. The two peninsula powerhouses came into the contest in very different positions. The Stonecats have been good this season, and Sorrento have struggled to garner any momentum.A dominant first half put Frankston YCW in the box seat. The Stonecats were clinical in front of goal, booting 12.1 in the first half. Sorrento showed more fight in the second half, but the damage had been done. The Stonecats prevailed 15.11 (101) to 22.7 (139). Riley D’Arcy and…

MORE money from other levels of government is needed to improve safety on the road near the Little Grasshoppers Early Learning Centre in Moorooduc, according to the shire’s mayor. The childcare centre sits on the corner of Moorooduc Highway and Eramosa Road. Last week Mornington MP Chris Crewther called for a zebra crossing to be installed to improve safety for children crossing the road (Action needed on childcare road, The News 13/5/2025). The Department of Transport asked that questions about the road be directed to the Mornington Peninsula Shire. Last week Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said, “speed…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEROSEBUD notched up another win on Saturday, getting the better of Frankston YCW.A five-goals-to-one first term put Rosebud in control. The Stonecats fought back in the second quarter, but their hopes were dashed after half-time. The Stonecats were held goalless in the third term. Rosebud ran out winners 11.9 (75) to 7.8 (50). Callum White booted four goals for Rosebud. Zac Maynard, Liam Tidd, William Hartung, Campbell Hustwaite, and Mitchell White were named their best. Christian Tsiampas scored four goals for the Stonecats. Rosebud sits on top of the ladder with five wins to their name. Edithvale-Aspendale…

A FORMER McClelland College teacher has been charged with child sexual offences. Orhan Sahin taught high school science at McClelland Secondary College in Frankston from 2023 until May 2024, and worked as a casual relief teacher in 2022. On 13 May, McClelland College principal Laura Dowdell Spence sent a letter to parents informing them that Sahin had been charged with child sexual offences. “Given the serious nature of these charges, I wanted to ensure you were notified of this very concerning news as soon as possible. I will also be notifying families of former students who were here at the…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES piled on 20 goals last weekend to grab an impressive win over Mornington.After a tight opening quarter, Pines opened up a two goal lead in the second term. They put seven goals on the scoreboard in the third term to cement their lead. Pines kept up the pressure in the final quarter, and went on to grab a 14.12 (96) to 20.15 (135) win. Lachlan Sharp booted six goals for Pines, and Dylan Williams scored four. Kai Owens kicked four goals for the Bulldogs. Off the field, there was a strange sight on the sidelines. Mornington…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES have handed Rosebud their first defeat of the 2025 season. A stirring final quarter comeback saw the Pythons topple Rosebud. Pines overcame a 22 point three-quarter-time deficit to claim a brilliant 15.8 (98) to 13.8 (86) win. Pines kicked seven goals in the final term, and restricted Rosebud to just one. Lachlan Sharp was the hero for Pines – he booted five goals in a best-on-ground performance. Callum White kicked four goals for Rosebud.Edithvale-Aspendale’s strong start to the season continued on Saturday with a win over Mt Eliza.Edi-Asp have lost just one game so far this…

THE RSPCA is investigating reports of dangerously underweight horses at a Mt Eliza property. Protesters have gathered regularly at the Moorooduc Highway property to draw attention towards the condition of the horses. The RSPCA has now confirmed it is looking into the situation. “RSPCA Victoria is actively investigating a case of seven underweight horses and working with the owner to improve their health. We appreciate the community’s concern and can confirm we have an active investigation regarding this matter,” the RSPCA statement read. “Our inspectors will continue to attend and investigate this matter to ensure any welfare concerns are rectified…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES struck late in the game to beat Frankston YCW in a thriller on Saturday night.John Coburn Oval hosted the match last weekend. Pines was in control for most of the afternoon – the Pythons led by 29 points at three-quarter-time. Frankston YCW showed plenty of fight in the final quarter, and managed to sneak ahead in the dying stages of the game. A late goal saw the Pythons steal back the lead and grab the win. Frankston YCW succumbed to a heartbreaking 10.8 (68) to 10.12 (72) defeat. Cameron Olden was excellent for Pines, booting five…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEFOR the third week running, Langwarrin have pulled off a great escape. It has not been a month for the weak-hearted at Langwarrin. The Kangaroos had to come from behind again to beat Edithvale-Aspendale on Good Friday. Edithvale-Aspendale led at each break of play. Heading into the final term, Edi-Asp led by 11 points. In the final term, Langwarrin managed to sneak into the lead. They held on for a famous two-point win 12.12 (84) to 13.8 (86). Corey Slefendorfas, Max Poulios, Joel Bateman, Brodie Tibballs, and Mitchell Cuthbert were Langwarrin’s best. Harrison Money contributed three vital…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONEPINES pipped Mt Eliza to the post on Saturday in an epic match. Mt Eliza led by seven points at the first break, before Pines grabbed back the lead. At the final break, the Pythons led the Redlegs by just a goal. The final quarter proved just as close as the rest of the game. Some wayward kicking nearly cost Pines the game, but they managed to hold on for a 14.11 (95) to 13.14 (92) win. Beau Hendry booted three goals for Pines. Khyal Jacobson, Russell Gabriel, Guy Hendry, and Kayden Sharp also had great games…

MPNFL MEN’S DIV ONESORRENTO have landed an early blow in season 2025, opening their account with a win over the reigning premiers.Mt Eliza hosted Sorrento at Emil Madsen Reserve. After a tight opening quarter, Sorrento opened up a two goal lead at the half-time break.Sorrento dominated the second half. They kicked eight goals and restricted the Redlegs to just two.The Redlegs ended up falling to a 41 point defeat – 6.17 (53) to 14.10 (94). James Hallahan, Chad Harris, Aaron Breman, Bailey Holt, and Ryan Clarke were named the Sharks’ best.Langwarrin pulled off a brilliant final-quarter comeback to beat Pines…

PROVINCIALPINES has won the 2025 MPCA Provincial Grand Final.Pines played Red Hill in the two-day season decider at Eric Bell Reserve. Pines batted on Saturday, and put a formidable total on the scoreboard.At the end of the day, Pines finished up at 8/243. Pat Jackson scored a half-century for the home side, while Nick Christides and Billy Humphrey also made strong contributions.Brent Martin was a workhorse for Red Hill on Saturday. He bowled 40 overs, taking 3/113.Red Hill were in huge trouble from the get-go on Sunday. Opener Luke Jackson was dismissed for a duck, and his batting partner Riley…

TOUGHER bail conditions are set to be imposed on offenders as part of sweeping changes proposed by the state government, but some experts have warned that marginalised communities may be unfairly affected. The state government introduced its bail reform to Parliament last week. It is seeking to amend the Bail Act to remove the principle of “remand as last resort” for youths, and introduce bail offences. The state government plans to introduce “commit an indictable offence while on bail for an indictable offence” into the Bail Act, and make the offence “breach of condition of bail” a summary offence. They…

PROVINCIALRED Hill have beaten Langwarrin in a huge upset to book their spot in this weekend’s Grand Final.Langwarrin entered the two-day clash on Saturday in first place. Red Hill qualified for finals in fourth, a fair way back from the ladder leaders.Red Hill batted on Saturday, and put a good total on the board. They scored 212 runs from their 80 overs – Simon Dart top scored with 72.Langwarrin struggled with the bat on Sunday. A few of their top order batters made good starts, but couldn’t capitalise.Langwarrin’s Brodie Matthews and Aaron Bardwell were each dismissed for one, and Trav…

PROVINCIALLADDER leaders Langwarrin will head into this weekend’s final series off the back of a loss, after Dromana put them to the sword on Saturday.Langwarrin had a disastrous day on the road against Dromana. They got off to a nightmare start when opener Jack Marget was clean bowled by Dale Irving with the first delivery of the day.Each of Langwarrin’s first five batters failed to reach double digits. They collapsed to 7/43, and looked in a world of trouble.The tail offered some resistance, but Langwarrin was soon bowled out. They scored just 96 runs.Dromana made short work of their target,…

PROVINCIALRED Hill wrapped up an important win over fellow finals contender Dromana at RM Hooper Reserve Oval on Saturday. On day two, Red Hill was defending a total of 251. Dromana kept touch with their target all day, but fell 23 runs short. After a decent start, Red Hill bowler Brent Martin ran through the middle order. Daniel Ianati nearly dragged Dromana over the line with a brave unbeaten 67 from 96 deliveries, but he didn’t get enough support from his teammates.Dromana was bowled out for 228.Martin posted final figures of 5/66 for the victors.Sorrento had a great day at…

FRANKSTON High School was sent into lockdown on Friday after it received a “threatening email”. Alarms were heard ringing from the school a little after midday on 7 March. They had ceased by 1pm. Victoria Police has confirmed that it is investigating a threatening email sent to multiple schools around Frankston. It says that there is unlikely to be a genuine threat. “Police are aware of a threatening email which has been sent to a number of schools across the state. The circumstances are being investigated however at this time it is not believed to be linked to any genuine…

By Brodie Cowburn PROVINCIALSORRENTO wrapped up a dominant win over Heatherhill in no time at all on day one of their two-day clash last Saturday.Heatherhill was sent in to bat first at David MacFarlane Reserve last week, and failed to make any impact on the scoreboard. They were bowled out in the 39th over for just 58 runs.Jake Wood did the damage for Sorrento – he finished the day with figures of 5/20 off 11 overs.Wood backed up his bowling efforts with a knock of 42. He was supported by Mitchell Bench and Rhys Musgrave, who each finished the day…

PROVINCIALLANGWARRIN and Pines remain neck-and-neck in the race for top spot after they both locked up wins last weekend. Langwarrin defeated Baden Powell at Lloyd Park on Saturday. The Kangaroos bowled out Baden Powell for 182 to successfully defend their day one total of 263.Opener Daniel Di Paolo was dismissed for a duck at the start of the innings – Baden Powell couldn’t recover from their poor start. Jake Prosser starred for Langwarrin, finishing the day with figures of 6/45 off 25 overs. Langwarrin finished the round on top of the ladder. They are six points ahead of Pines, who…

PROVINCIALLANGWARRIN got off to a strong start in their two day match against Baden Powell. Opener Jack Marget top scored for the side with 63, and captain Ricky Damiano wasn’t far behind with a knock of 57 not out. Langwarrin finished the day at 7/221.Pines came up against Red Hill in their two day clash. The day didn’t get off as planned with opener Declan Jackson out for a golden duck. The ship steadied and Nick Christides and Connor Jackson put on 61 and 51 respectively. There wasn’t much of a fight after they left the crease though, and Pines…

PROVINCIALLANGWARRIN is sitting in top spot with just three weeks left before finals. On day two of their match with fellow title contenders Pines at Lloyd Park last weekend, Langwarrin locked up a narrow win.Langwarrin set Pines a target of 185 to chase down on Saturday. Pines came close, but fell 15 runs short of victory. Opener Declan Jackson top-scored for Pines with 68 from 168 deliveries. Pines was bowled out for 171 with six overs left to spare. Sam Prosser took three wickets, and Matthew Prosser and Trav Campbell took two each. The result left Pines in third spot.…

PROVINCIALPINES have narrowly beaten fellow title contenders Dromana in an epic matchup at Eric Bell Reserve.Both sides have been locked in a battle for top spot on the ladder this season. Pines was sent in to bat first by Dromana last Saturday, and suffered a big early blow.Pines opener Ricky Ramsdale was dismissed for a duck after just three deliveries. Dale Irving took the crucial wicket. Nick Christides settled things down for the hosts, going on to score 61 from 63 deliveries. Number four batter Harley Peace-Stirling also impressed – he scored a half-century before Zacc Klan sent him back…

PROVINCIALDROMANA moved to the top of the MPCA Provincial division ladder with a win over Old Peninsula away from home last weekend. MPCA cricket returned after a lengthy Christmas break on 18 January. Dromana travelled to Peninsula Grammar to take on the Pirates in a one-day match.Dromana batted first after winning the toss. Skipper Sam Fowler was completely in control, scoring 108 runs to help his side reach a final total of 201 from 40 overs. Sam Fowler’s brilliant century was supported by knocks of 39 and 32 respectively from Jack Fowler and Dale Irving. Old Peninsula battled hard to…

PROVINCIALOLD Peninsula faced a hefty total on Saturday after Baden Powell notched up a tidy 221 last week. But apart from a single early wicket, with Zak Bauer getting caught LBW for seven, it was an easy day with Old Peninsula scoring 5/224.Wade Pelzer top scored for Old Boys with 62 off 87 balls, and the visitors trotted home to pass Baden Powell’s total with over eight overs spare and for the loss of just five wickets. Baden Powell remain without a win for the season.Sorrento haven’t been much better this season, with only a single win, and their fortunes…

PROVINCIALAN excellent final wicket partnership between Shaun Miller and Liam Glennie may have saved Heatherhill from defeat against Pines on Saturday.Heatherhill was sent in to bat first on day one at Eric Bell Reserve. They struggled from the outset, as Pat Jackson tore through the top order.Miller and Glennie, batting at number 10 and 11 respectively, helped restore some pride. Miller starred with an impressive unbeaten 52 from 72 deliveries.Glennie deserves credit for his supporting role – he scored one run from 53 deliveries.Heatherhill ended up all out for 155.Pat Jackson did most of the damage for Pines. He took…

PROVINCIALDROMANA have wrapped up a win over Pines in less than a day.Pines was sent in to bat first at Dromana Reserve on Saturday. They lasted just 33 overs – Pines was bowled out for just 124 runs.Jack Fowler and Sam Fowler took four wickets each for Dromana.Dromana comfortably reached their target before the close of play. They will start day two this weekend at 6/160.Sam Fowler and Jack Fowler backed up their bowling efforts by each scoring 39 runs.Red Hill have set Old Peninsula a huge target to chase down thanks to the incredible efforts of Simon Dart.Batting at…

PROVINCIALDROMANA wrapped up a win over Old Peninsula on Saturday to maintain its spot on the top of the ladder.Dromana bowled out Old Peninsula for 182 runs on day one. On day two last Saturday they batted well and finished the job.Sam Fowler was the star of the match. The skipper scored a brilliant century, and ended up carrying his bat.Dromana reached their target in 60 overs with eight wickets left to spare.Pines’ excellent start to the season continued last weekend when they secured victory over Sorrento.Pines dominated on day one on their home deck, smashing 407 runs before declaring.…

MORE than 50 women set off from Frankston Pier last week to walk all the way to the Cape Schanck lighthouse. The “Frank to Schanck” trek was organised by the Women’s Spirit Project. The registered charity aims to help women experiencing disadvantage by getting them involved with fitness, health, and wellbeing activities.The 60 kilometer journey from Frankston to Cape Schanck began on Friday and concluded on Sunday. Women’s Spirit Project chairperson Kathy Heffernan said “it is a privilege to witness the courage of these women taking on this challenge.” “Our volunteers have also worked hard over the weekend to support…