NEPEAN LEAGUE
THE final five is set in MPNFL Nepean Division, six rounds before the end of the final home and away game.
Dromana won its sixth game on the trot on Saturday and in doing so, went two games clear of both Red Hill (sixth) and Somerville (seventh).
Given the Eagles and the Hillmen have tougher runs home, it appears now that the Tigers are in the perfect position to grab a spot in the finals.
Furthermore, the Tigers are now just a game and percentage off second place and should be now aiming for a great outcome from the season.
The form of the Tigers is a credit to coach Ricki Johnston and his support team.
After the first five weeks, the Tigers had won just one game (against Tyabb) and were on the end of a couple of hidings.
Seven games later and they have not dropped one since.
Ethan Johnstone was superb again on Saturday with six goals while Jay Hutchison and a returning Sam Fowler booted four in the 23.10 (148) to 10.16 (76) win.
Paul Ransom and Jordan Alves were the best of the Yabbies.
Red Hill booted the first goal of the last quarter against Frankston Bombers on Saturday to give themselves every chance of winning and keeping their season alive.
Thirty minutes later and the Bombers had kicked the last six goals of the game to win comfortably 17.11 (113) to 10.8 (68).
Sam Fox put on a clinic in the final term and finished with four goals while coach Beau Muston also finished with four majors.
Matty Hyden found himself forward for the Hillmen and kicked four while Ben Hughes was good with three also.
It has been a season of disappointment for the Hillmen, who recruited well in the off season but will fail to make finals.
Hastings bounced back from a horror defeat last week, belting Rye 23.12 (150) to 9.10 (64).
Dale Alanis kicked six and Shaun Foster four for the winners while Brendan Dunne led from the front.
It was a tough day for the Demons with Harry Witty and Adam Kirkwood among their best.
Rosebud put an end to Somerville’s season also, belting the home team by more than 13 goals.
Celebrating its 125th year, the Somerville crowd was eager for a repeat performance of last week when it came from behind to beat Frankston.
However, the loaded Buds, who had Keegan Downie back with three goals, spoilt the party.
Jai Nanscawen was back from Stingrays too and booted six goals for the Buds while twin brother Reid also played, along with Campbell Hustwaite.
Bryce Kellerman was the best of the Eagles in the 8.6 (54) to 20.15 (135) loss.
In the battle of the Panthers, Devon Meadows smashed Pearcedale to the tune of almost 100 points.
Allan Murray booted seven goals and Kyle Beveridge dominated with three goals in the 22.15 (147) to 7.12 (54) thumping.
Harry Prior was Pearcedale’s best with two goals.
In the final game, Sorrento belted Crib Point by more than 20 goals, 26.20 (176) to 5.13 (43).
Leigh Poholke booted seven majors and Nick Corp and James Hallahan four each for the Sharks while Shayne Ainsworth was solid for the Pies.
First published in the Mornington News – 11 July 2017
