MPNFL
DIVISION ONE
PINES picked up an important win over Sorrento last Saturday.
The Pythons hosted the Sharks at Eric Bell Reserve. The match marked the return of star forward Aaron Edwards, who returned to Pines after a stint with St Kilda City. He transferred to Pines alongside Brownlow medalist Dane Swan, who debuted the week prior.
After a tight first quarter, Sorrento took control of the game heading into half time. The visitors led by 15 points at the main break.
Sorrento were ahead by nine points heading into the final term, but the Pythons proved too strong. Pines overran Sorrento to claim an eight point win 13.15 (93) to 13.7 (85).
Edwards booted two goals on his Pines return. Johnathan Haidon, Nicholas Braund, Carrel Deang, and Jackson Vaughan also impressed.
The win helped cement Pines’ finals spot. They are now three games clear inside the top five.
The loss leaves Sorrento in sixth place – the Sharks are eight points outside of the top five with six games left to play in the home-and-away season.
Langwarrin secured its second win for the season on Saturday in a hard-fought match against Bonbeach.
Bonbeach and Langwarrin both came into the match with just a win each to their names this season. A loss for either side would leave them in grave relegation danger.
Bonbeach held Langwarrin goalless in the first term and established an early lead, but they didn’t hold it for long. Langwarrin led by seven points at half-time.
Bonbeach didn’t take defeat lying down, and fought hard in the third term. At the three-quarter-time break, the sides were all square.
Langwarrin got the job done in the final quarter. They ran out 12 point winners 8.8 (56) to 10.8 (68).
Sam Dunell played a crucial role for the Kangaroos. He scored four goals.
Dromana stretched its top division winning streak to 12 on Saturday with a thumping win over Rosebud. Dromana did it easy – the final scoreboard read Dromana 17.10 (112) to Rosebud 3.2 (20).
Frankston YCW remained in second place after a strong 60 point win over Frankston Bombers on Saturday – 8.6 (54) to 16.18 (114). Josh Patullo booted six goals for the Stonecats.
The final match for the round saw Mt Eliza beat Red Hill by 27 points.
DIVISION TWO
KARINGAL’S undefeated streak has come to an end.
The Bulls came into their round 12 clash with Edithvale-Aspendale unbeaten for the season. They started off on the right foot, but had a miserable time after quarter-time.
It was all Edithvale-Aspendale after the first break. They piled on 14 goals to zero after quarter-time in an astonishing display.
It was academic in the end for Edi-Asp, as they brought the Bulls back down to earth with a 2.11 (23) to 15.9 (99) win.
Hugo Clarke, Zack O’Neill, and Michael Meehan were named in Edithvale-Aspendale’s best.
The win keeps Edi-Asp in finals contention.
Hastings’ finals hopes were boosted by a brilliant win over Crib Point last weekend. The Blues got over the line by a point 7.12 (54) to 7.13 (55).
Pearcedale also picked up an important win on Saturday to keep their finals hopes alive. They beat Chelsea 14.12 (96) to 11.13 (79).
Pearcedale took an early lead, and held onto it all day long.
Luke Daniel was awesome for Pearcedale, booting six goals. Kaolan Thornton scored three.
There were goals aplenty when Tyabb hosted Mornington on Saturday.
33 goals were kicked for the afternoon. Six of them came from the boot of Tim Susovich, which helped Mornington claim the win.
The Bulldogs overcame a poor start to win 13.8 (86) to 20.19 (139).
Rye endured another tough day last weekend. They conceded 25 goals to Seaford in a 91-point defeat. Devon Meadows closed out the round by beating Somerville by 31 points.
First published in the Mornington News – 4th July 2023
