MPNFL
DIVISION ONE
DROMANA have preserved their winning streak by the narrowest of margins.
Ladder leaders Dromana travelled to take on second-place Frankston YCW on Saturday. Both sides have been excellent this year, and loom as likely Grand Final contenders.
Goals were hard to come by at John Coburn Oval. Just five majors were kicked in the first half, with Dromana heading into the main break ahead by 11 points.
The game opened up a little more in the third term. At the final break Dromana led by one point, with the Stonecats breathing down their neck.
Goals dried up again in the last quarter. Both sides had opportunities, but neither was able to land a major blow.
After a cagey goalless final quarter, Dromana emerged victorious. The Tigers stretched their winning streak to 13 with a 6.6 (42) to 5.13 (43) win.
Former Richmond Tiger Jake Aarts was excellent once again for Dromana. Luke Paynter was YCW’s best.
Frankston Bombers cemented their place in the top five with a close win over Sorrento on Saturday.
The Bombers came into the match in fifth place, with Sorrento just behind them in sixth. The Sharks struck first in front of their home crowd, but the Bombers wrestled back control in the second quarter. At half-time Frankston Bombers led by 11 points.
Sorrento closed the gap in the third term, getting within four points of their finals rivals. The game was poised for a photo finish.
Both sides traded blows in an entertaining final quarter. Sorrento kept touch with Frankston Bombers, but they weren’t able to get over the line.
Frankston Bombers bested Sorrento 12.11 (83) to 13.8 (86). Jarrad Grant was typically excellent for Frankston, scoring six vital goals.
The win puts the Bombers three wins clear inside the top five with just five games left in the home-and-away season.
Bonbeach picked up their second win for the season last weekend. They defeated Red Hill 6.7 (43) to 8.8 (56).
Bonbeach are now just two points behind Langwarrin on the bottom of the ladder. The Kangaroos lost to Pines 8.9 (57) to 12.8 (80) on Saturday.
Rosebud closed out the round with a 14.7 (91) to 5.10 (40) win over Mt Eliza at home.
DIVISION TWO
MORNINGTON are on top of division two after a huge win over Hastings.
Mornington have been closing in on Karingal’s top spot in the last month. They laid claim to it last weekend by dispatching Hastings with ease.
Mornington dominated all day away from home. They went on to win by 80 points – 6.8 (44) to 18.16 (124).
Jackson Calder and Harry Lloyd kicked three goals each for Mornington.
Mornington were able to take top spot after Karingal fell to their third successive defeat. The Bulls lost to Devon Meadows at Glover Reserve on Saturday.
Devon Meadows put Karingal on the backfoot early with a 24 points to 1 opening quarter. The Bulls weren’t able to bounce back.
Devon Meadows went on to defeat Karingal 10.13 (73) to 7.10 (52). The win keeps them inside the top five.
Fellow finals contender Somerville had a strong challenge from Tyabb on Saturday. The Yabbies eventually fell to Somerville 11.6 (72) to 11.15 (81).
Pearcedale defeated Edithvale-Aspendale by three goals on Saturday. Seaford defeated Crib Point by 31, and Chelsea demolished Rye by 163 points to round out the winner’s list.
First published in the Mornington News – 18th July 2023
