MPNFL – DIVISION TWO LANGWARRIN look unstoppable heading into the end of the 2021 season. The Kangaroos took on Mornington in a clash between first and second on Saturday. What could have been an even matchup between two premiership contenders turned into thrashing, as Langwarrin ran away with an 85 point win. Langwarrin led by four points at quarter time, but really put their foot down in the second quarter. A nine goals to one second term saw Langwarrin move out to an unassailable 54 point lead at the main break. Langwarrin continued to score freely in the second half.…
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SOCCER FRANKSTON Pines has been involved in a major squad overhaul as it zeroes in on its first championship success in seven years. Simon Webster and twin brother Scott are believed to have accepted offers from State 3 rival Rowville Eagles while first-choice keeper Aeseli Batikasa expects to be sidelined for the remainder of the season. The knee injury the big Fijian keeper suffered against Brighton has not responded to treatment and he will have an MRI this week. But the news is not all bad for the State 3 leader as head coach Kevin “Squizzy” Taylor has brought in…
SOCCER ALEX Whyte is confident that Peninsula Strikers can finish the season in style. The 22-year-old is back at the club where his career kicked off and can’t wait for a season reboot. “I think we’ve been unlucky in the majority of our games this year,” Whyte said. “We’re just missing that one element that could turn our losses and draws into wins but I’m confident it’ll be coming soon. “We’ve got a lot of quality players and if we ever get back out there we can really finish the season strongly.” The fuse that could ignite the side and…
HORSE RACING STREETS of Avalon is right on track for his Spring targets after running a gallant second in the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday. The tough six-year-old gelding sat outside the leader in the day’s feature sprint and was one of the first horses to come off the bridle turning for home. Showing plenty of determination, Streets of Avalon didn’t give in under the pressure and fought off several challenges in the straight. But, a late dive from the Phillip Stokes-trained Sansom proved costly as the four-year-old gelding got his head down right on the…
SOCCER FOOTBALL Victoria is holding its nerve and continues to look positively towards the completion of the 2021 season. FV CEO Kimon Taliadoros this week expressed confidence in the stewardship of the state government and Sport and Recreation Victoria despite the sport facing its second shutdown this season. “I’m comfortable that we’re in good hands,” Taliadoros said. “I feel that the state government and in particular sport and rec are now so well drilled that we can get the most out of this season that we possibly can. “After working so closely with government and the local councils last year…
HORSE RACING DAVID Brideoake will be looking to land back-to-back Group Three successes with his newly acquired sprinter Red Can Man on Saturday. The former Western Australian sprinter has had two runs under the Mornington-based trainers care, with his most recent resulting in a gusty long-neck victory in the Group Three Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield. He’ll be looking to continue his successful run at the track on Saturday when he lines up in the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes (1200m). Looking to take substantial improvement from his first-up run when finishing beyond midfield at Flemington, Brideoake believes the…
MPNFL – DIVISION ONE LAST place Edithvale-Aspendale almost pulled off a shock upset against ladder leader Frankston YCW on Saturday. Edi-Asp raced out of the blocks and took control in the first half. At half-time they were up by 16 points, and looked poised to claim a shocking win. A four goals to zero third term put Frankston YCW back in front. After a tense last quarter, YCW claimed a narrow win 9.14 (68) to 9.5 (59). The Stonecats survived the scare thanks to three goals from Roan Steele. Michael Bussey was Edithvale-Aspendale’s best with four goals. At David Macfarlane…
MPNFL – DIVISION TWO Picture: Alan DillonPicture: Alan DillonPictures: Alan Dillon MORNINGTON have kept touch with the top of the ladder by beating Karingal at Ballam Park Reserve. The Bulldogs struggled early, and couldn’t kick a goal in the first quarter. They came alive after the first break and took a lead into half time. Going into the last quarter the Bulldogs led by four points. Both sides traded goals in an entertaining final quarter, but the Bulldogs held on to win. The final scoreboard read Karingal 9.8 (62) to Mornington 10.10 (70). Jackson Calder added another three goals to…
SEWF PREMIERS A 100 POINT win has cemented Seaford’s place on top of the SEWF ladder. The Tigerettes were dominant from the outset against Mornington. They managed to hold their opponents goalless for the game while scoring 16 of their own. The final score read Mornington 0.2 (2) to Seaford 16.11 (107). Tahlia Fellows was dominant in front of goal, kicking six. Courtney Clarkson kicked four, taking her tally for the season to 16. A goalless opening half cost Tyabb any chance of winning against Coburg Lions. The Yabbies were able to close the lead to one goal at three-quarter-time,…
SOCCER FRANKSTON Pines midfielder Jordan “Caka” Avraham has been outed for seven matches as the result of a social media exchange involving a rival club supporter. The exchange took place on facebook after Pines lost 2-1 to Hampton East Brighton in their round 7 clash at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve in May. FV emailed the club asking for a “please explain” from the player and both Pines and Avraham responded with an explanation of the circumstances of the exchange. Pines claimed that Avraham and other Pines’ players were abused during the match but on 29 June FV emailed the club…
HORSE RACING AFTER four seasons in the Victorian training ranks, the Mornington-based partnership of David and Coral Feek have broken through to win their first Saturday metropolitan race in Melbourne. Taking the leap from Moe to Caulfield, their three-year-old filly Belsielle dug deep to reel in the race-favourite Sugartown and win by a long-neck margin over the Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained Zesty Belle. The Feek partnership have had remarkable success in recent times of travelling horses to Sydney and winning at their Saturday metropolitan meetings (three wins from three runners) but were thrilled to finally land one “on home…
By Barry Irving THE highlight of a lunch at the Rye Football Netball Clubrooms last week was the presentation of Mornington Peninsula Netball Football League life membership to Michael O’Rourke. Regional manager AFL South East Will Dakis presented the award before 95 sponsors and guests at the event, Saturday 3 July. Mr O’Rourke has had a 57-year association with the MPNFL and the Rye Football and Netball Club. He started as a player in the Rye under-17s in 1964 and has been a constant at the club ever since. This includes 16 years as vice-president (1980-1995) and the past 20…
DIVISION ONE FRANKSTON Bombers scored their best win for the season on Saturday by defeating top of the ladder Frankston YCW. The Stonecats have been the standout side in Division One this season, but were put on the back foot early. The Bombers rushed out to an early lead and held the Stonecats goalless in the first term. Frankston YCW hit the scoreboard in the second term, but the Bombers hit back. They didn’t let the Stonecats get too close to them all afternoon, and ended up winning 14.10 (94) to 8.11 (59). Alex Harnett, Harrison Prior, and Sam Drake…
MPNFL – DIVISION TWO TYABB are finally on the board in season 2021. The Yabbies took on Pearcedale at Pearcedale Recreation Reserve. They went into the game 0-10 for the year. Both sides looked evenly matched in the first half. Pearcedale went into half time up by a point. Tyabb were excellent in the second half. They managed to hold Pearcedale goalless, and scored six of their own to wrap up a well deserved win. Tyabb ended up victorious by 32 points 4.10 (34) to 10.6 (66). Luke Stanton kicked three goals for the Yabbies. Lachlan Cox also impressed. After…
SEWF PREMIERS MORNINGTON won their second match for the season on Saturday in a hard fought encounter against Mt Eliza. Both sides have struggled this season. The game was a good opportunity for each team to grab a win. The Bulldogs got on the front foot early with a two goals to zero opening term. Although they didn’t add another goal to the scoreboard for the rest of the day, they defended well and held on to win. The final score read 1.3 (9) to 2.5 (17). Skye Nisbet scored both of Mornington’s goals. Tyabb took on St Kilda Sharks…
SOCCER MORNINGTON stayed in the hunt for a berth in next season’s prestigious NPL competition after Saturday’s 2-0 away win over Casey Comets. The Seagulls proved too strong with a goal in each half. A Milos Lujic header in the 34th minute put the visitors ahead and the second goal came from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute after Kane Bentley was fouled. Josh Hine had no problem converting. Many pundits believe that Mornington hasn’t played to its potential this year despite continuing its title tilt. After the match head coach Adam Jamieson acknowledged that the ladder leader had…
HORSE RACING SHANE Nichols is hoping to reach the $2 million mark with his star galloper Streets of Avalon this Spring. The dual Group One winner has won $1.83 million in prize money and currently holds the honour of being the highest prizemoney earner from Mornington (exclusive of Pinecliff, Mt Eliza). He heads the likes of Cedarbeg ($1.51mil), Self Sense ($1.49mil), Hollow Bullet ($1.46mil), Ethiopia ($1.26mil) and Pippie ($1.24mil). Despite verging on entering his seven-year-old season Mornington-based trainer Shane Nichols believes the gelded son of Magnus is going as well as ever. “I’m probably happier with him going into this…
MPNFL – DIVISION ONE PINES upset Sorrento on Saturday to score what could be a season defining win. The Pythons have endured a difficult 2021. They came into the clash against the Sharks with just one win to their name for the season. Sorrento controlled the game for most of the day on their home deck. They led at each break of play, and took a 22 point lead into the final term. Pines didn’t give up though, and booted six goals in a final term blitz. The Pythons ended up clinching a thriller by just five points 11.8 (74)…
MPNFL – DIVISION TWO LANGWARRIN’S brilliant winning run came to an end at the hands of Somerville on Saturday. The Kangaroos have been outstanding in season 2021. Coming into the clash against Somerville they were undefeated. Somerville came to play on their home deck. They held narrow leads at each break, but the Kangaroos still threatened. Somerville held onto their lead in the final quarter, going on to win 14.11 (95) to 11.11 (77). Nicholas Mason, Mitchell Mantell, and Nathan Gillis were the best performers in the huge upset win. Despite the defeat, Langwarrin remain clear at the top of…
SEWF PREMIERS THE Frankston Dolphins have their second win, claiming the points against Mornington in a hard fought battle last weekend. The Dolphins were coming off a difficult loss to Coburg the week prior. They lost by 10 goals in their season restart match. Frankston made amends with a gritty win at Skybus Stadium. They claimed victory 3.8 (26) to 1.1 (7). Seaford and Eastern Devils had to share the points after a fiercely contested match at RF Miles Reserve on Saturday night. The Devils took a narrow one goal lead into half time, but the Tigerettes hit back in…
SOCCER ROSEBUD player-coach Mark Pagliarulo was over-the-moon when he clinched the signing of Ash Scholes last week. “Pags” had been chasing the 27-year-old’s signature for some time and was close to signing him a few months ago. “I tried to get him at the beginning of the season but he wanted to stay loyal to Somerville but recently we spoke and he wasn’t enjoying it there so decided to come down,” Pagliarulo said on Friday. “He’s a massive signing for the club, a local lad and a top defender. “He’s a big boy, strong, good in the air and a…
PORTSEA lifesavers placed second in Round Four of the Open Women’s Tube Rescue and third in the Open Men’s IRB Rescue at Lorne on Saturday 19 June. On the Sunday they won Round Five of the Open Men’s Tube Rescue. The Inflatable Rescue Boat teams were competing in the final carnivals before returning to Lorne for the Victorian IRB Championships, 3-4 July. Life Saving Victoria said all teams performed well in “challenging conditions” in the back-to-back events. Despite cold and choppy surf conditions, particularly on the Saturday, the teams all stepped up to the challenge and put on what were…
Who let the dogs out?: Mornington made it look easy with a 62 point win over Pearcedale. Picture: Alan Dillon MPNFL – DIVISION TWO IT was business as usual for Langwarrin last weekend as the Division Two competition got back underway. The Kangaroos have been unstoppable this season, and remain perched atop the ladder. They continued their winning run on Saturday with a comfortable victory over Devon Meadows. Devon Meadows couldn’t get close to the Kangaroos, who ran away with it. The Panthers only scored five goals all afternoon. In just his second senior match of the season, Langwarrin’s Zac…
MPNFL – DIVISION ONE THE stripped-back MPNFL season has restarted. After a three week delay due to COVID-19, players returned to the field last weekend. The sounds of bone crunching tackles, ball on boots, and coaches’ sprays filled the air, but the familiar roar of the crowd was absent. Despite the lack of audience, the competition’s top teams still hit the ground running. Top of the ladder Frankston YCW cemented their spot with a big win over Pines. It was a complete team performance by the Stonecats, who had 13 individual goalkickers. Luca Goonan and Luke Paynter were their best.…
SOCCER BEN Doree has been forced to quit Peninsula Strikers and has signed with Richmond. The leading scorer in State 2 South-East has had a change to his work circumstances and found it too difficult to continue to travel back and forward from his Altona residence. Doree’s goalscoring has been a pivotal part of Strikers’ league campaign so head coach Paul Williams is tasked with covering for his prolific striker’s absence. Last weekend Williams paired youngster Jai Power with Riley Anderton up front but neither had a major impact on what proved to be a dismal day for the local…
HORSE RACING DEAN Krongold has no doubts over Brooklyn Hustle running a strong 1400m in the Group One Tattersall’s Tiara on Saturday 26 June. The inform mare has won her last two starts in the G3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) and G2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1300m) impressively and takes the step up to the seven furlongs for the first time in her career. Krongold, who trains in partnership with Jason Warren, said it’s always been their intentions to get the mare over more ground. “We’ve always thought the more she steps out the better she’ll be provided she settles off…
SOCCER FOOTBALL Victoria aims to restart the 2021 league season this weekend. The state body emailed clubs on Friday with a return to competition update, a link to its updated return to training and playing conditions, information on the competitions calendar, postponed fixtures and a link to its COVID-19 Football Portal providing information on the biosecurity requirements clubs must enforce. FV also urged clubs to register their matches with the state government’s public event framework to ensure COVID-19 safety for attendees, staff and organisers. FV’s email acknowledged the current circumstances faced by clubs coming out of lockdown as well as…
HORSE RACING MATT Laurie’s promising colt Ranveer showed his class with a gutsy win first-up in the heavy conditions at Sandown on Saturday. The Winning Rupert-sired two-year-old had just the one run in the Spring last year where he ran second to the one-time Golden Slipper favourite Profiteer at Flemington before he was sent for a spell. Returning after seven-months off the scene, Mornington-based trainer Matt Laurie queried whether the heavy conditions would take too much of a toll on his colt first-up. “I was a bit worried,” Laurie said post-race. “I felt that we probably hadn’t done enough for…
SOCCER LOCAL soccer is blessed with some excellent sports photographers covering the exploits of clubs throughout the broad peninsula area. They include Darryl Kennedy, Gemma Sliz, Paul Seeley and John Punshon and their photographs have appeared in these pages supporting our coverage of the local game. Kennedy is a former player, coach, team manager and administrator who turns 60 this year and has been involved in the sport since he was 12 years old. Most of his playing career was with Seaford United (including stints with Seaford North and Belvedere, the forerunners of the current club at North Seaford Reserve)…
HORSE RACING MORNINGTON-based trainer Robert Kingston has saddled up his last runner after a decade of competing in the Victorian ranks. Kingston, who claimed his first winner with On Tour in 2011, sent out his two-year-old filly Class Action as his final runner at Wangaratta on Thursday 3 June. Class Action finished at the rear of the field but Kingston can go out on a high after his perennial bridesmaid Art Major broke through for a well-deserved maiden victory at Cranbourne on the Friday night prior. “He’s missed a few times so when he won it really made my mind…
