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.
A seven goals to one second term put the game to bed by half time. Frankston YCW ran out winners 16.13 (109) to 6.4 (40).
Sorrento’s troubles this season have continued. The Sharks fell to defeat at the hands of Rosebud.
The Sharks have endured a difficult time this season, falling short of the high standards expected of them. They have also recently parted ways with coach and gun player Luke Tapscott.
Rosebud took advantage of the out-of-form Sharks, working hard to claim an important win. Three goals from Thomas Baker helped them to a 9.6 (60) to 6.11 (47) victory.
The result sees Rosebud overtake Sorrento and move into fifth spot on the ladder. Sorrento is sixth.
The Mt Eliza and Frankston Bombers played out a thriller at Emil Madsen Reserve to restart their seasons.
The Redlegs had a good first half, but it was not without frustrations. They kicked 4.11 to take a 20 point lead into the second half.
The Bombers also struggled to kick straight, booting 1.9 in the first half. The Bombers poured on the pressure in the third term, kicking 6.8 in the third term to close the lead to just one point.
Both sides traded blows in a tense final quarter, but it was Mt Eliza who came out on top. The Redlegs held onto their lead, eventually claiming victory by just a solitary point 12.14 (86) to 11.19 (85).
Red Hill suffered a tough loss at home on Saturday. They were defeated by Dromana by just four points.
The Tigers kicked six goals to zero in the first quarter. Although the Hillmen worked hard to get back into the contest, it was too little too late. Dromana won 7.12 (54) to 8.10 (58).
Bonbeach claimed a comfortable win against Edithvale-Aspendale 7.6 (48) to 15.26 (116). Joseph Fisscher kicked five goals.
First published in the Mornington News – 22 June 2021
