CRICKET PROVINCIAL CRAIG Entwistle has started the year with a bang, smashing 132 runs in a dominant display on Saturday. MPCA cricket returned on Saturday after a short break. Baden Powell restarted their campaign by hosting Sorrento in a two-day clash. Baden Powell batted for the entire day. Entwistle was the star, scoring 132 before retiring. He batted for close to six hours, and smashed 18 fours during his brilliant innings. Opener Dale Elmi also impressed for Baden Powell. He scored 80 runs. Baden Powell closed out their innings with 327 runs on the scoreboard. Sorrento has a huge mountain…
Author: Brodie Cowburn
CRICKET PROVINCIAL BAXTER overcame a first innings loss to grab an outright win against Sorrento on day two of their match on Saturday On day one, Baxter succumbed to a brutal first innings defeat. They were bowled out for 63 in response to Sorrento’s 110. Sorrento made a second innings total of 7/137. They then sent Baxter in to bat to close out day two, with the chasing side needing to score 186 to win. Baxter were much better in their second innings. Opener Daniel Warwick got his side off to a strong start with a well-taken half century. After…
IN 11 years since 2010, there were 56 drownings recorded on the Mornington Peninsula. Of these deaths, 26 were peninsula residents and mostly males. The statistics are contained in the 2020/21 Victoria Life Saving Drowning Report which says that there is a 99 per cent chance of a drowning on the peninsula in any given year. The report also states that statistcally there is a 96 per cent chance of a peninsula resident drowning in any given year and that males are 4.2 times more likely to drown that females. In neighbouring Frankston, which ranked 11th for the highest number…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL AN eight-wicket masterclass from Jake Wood was the difference between Baxter and Sorrento on Saturday. Sorrento batted first at David Macfarlane Reserve on day one of the two day matchup. They struggled, only managing to score 110 from 45 overs before being sent back to the sheds. Sorrento would have to be brilliant with the ball to prevent defeat. They proved more than up to the task. Both of Baxter’s openers were sent packing for ducks, thanks to the excellent bowling of Jake Wood. Wood rampaged through Baxter, going on to claim figures of 8/16 from 11 overs.…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL A BRILLIANT century from Alex Browne wasn’t enough to get Red Hill over the line against Sorrento on Saturday. Red Hill came into day two needing to score 232 to win. Their run chase got off to a rough start when both openers fell for small totals. First drop batter Browne took control of the match. He was in electrifying form – scoring 113 from 91 balls. He smashed 11 fours and 7 sixes. Red Hill looked in a promising position at 2/135, but an awful collapse soon followed. They lost 5/30, letting any chance of a win…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL JUSTIN Grant was the star of the show for Old Peninsula on Saturday, scoring a century to get his side off to a great start against Langwarrin. Old Peninsula batted for the whole afternoon on Saturday, the first day of a two-day match. Opener Dylan O’Malley got his side started on the right foot. He smashed 82 runs before being dismissed. Grant came in at number four and dominated. He scored 101 runs for his side, helping them to a final total of 8/318 at stumps. Langwarrin has a big mountain to climb on day two to get…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL LANGWARRIN finished off the job against Long Island on Saturday. Langy bowled Long Island out for just 103 on day one, putting them in the box seat for the win. On day two they got down to work, passing their target with five wickets left to spare. Chris Brittain top scored for the victors with 37. Baxter had a tough day at home against Old Peninsula last weekend. Their run chase failed after a catastrophic collapse. Baxter was chasing 185 to win on day two. At 4/90 they looked in a strong position, but the wheels quickly fell…
CRICKET GRADE A1 FRENCH Island batter Ben King made history last weekend by scoring one of the biggest totals ever seen in local cricket. King finished the day unbeaten on a whopping 321 runs. He smashed 50 boundaries, 21 of them sixes. He made his mammoth score from just 184 balls. French Island opener Keith Burdett would have been best on ground on any other day. He scored 136 runs. French Island finished the day at 3/602. PROVINCIAL TWO-day cricket has finally returned to the MPCA. Baden Powell were the best performers in the Provincial division on Saturday. They played…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL OLD Peninsula continued its good start to the 2022/2023 season with a win over Long Island on Saturday. After a month of rain delays and cancellations, the weather gods finally smiled on MPCA cricketers last weekend. Old Peninsula played host to Long Island. It was a nightmare start for Long Island at the crease. They batted first and suffered through a catastrophic top order collapse. At 6/27, the game looked dead and buried. A late knock of 55 from Cameron Wheeler helped Long Island put a respectable total on the board. Long Island managed to avoid being bowled…
MPNFL DEVON Meadows has secured the signature of ex-AFL ruckman Paddy Ryder. The MPNFL club made the huge announcement last week. 34-year-old Ryder retired from the AFL this year after 281 games across three clubs. Ryder started his career at Essendon before moving to Port Adelaide in the wake of the club’s drug scandal. He played his final seasons at St Kilda, and made a big impact. Ryder was named in the AFL’s All-Australian squad in 2017. He was the ANZAC Day medalist in 2009. In a statement on Facebook, the club said it was “thrilled” to have signed Ryder.…
CRICKET FOR the third week running, rain threatened to ruin a weekend of cricket on the Mornington Peninsula. Despite the bad weather, players reported to their grounds on Saturday to play at least a few overs. PROVINCIAL AN excellent bowling performance secured Red Hill the victory last weekend. Red Hill batted first on their home deck against Old Peninsula. They set their opponents a target of 141 to score to win the match. A middle order knock of 32 from Brent Martin proved vital. He dug in after a top order collapse which saw Red Hill lose 5/27. Old Peninsula…
THE state government will not match the opposition’s pledge to electrify the Frankston line to Baxter. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke told The News he is concerned that the project could wipe out homes, land, and the historic Frankston signal box “Before anyone decides on a project that potentially requires the bulldozing of hundreds of homes, destruction of 10 hectares of green wedge land, and the demolition of the 100-year-old Frankston signal box, a huge amount of community consultation should take place,” he said. “I have people at my office asking me if their home is going to be bulldozed now.…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL AN unbeaten knock of 95 from Chris Brittain proved the difference between Langwarrin and Red Hill last weekend. Red Hill were first in to bat on Saturday. They played well, setting Langwarrin a target of 201 to win. Luke Robertson and Simon Dart were Red Hill’s best, scoring 42 runs each. Matthew Prosser’s three wickets helped to restrict Red Hill’s total. Prosser backed up his good showing with the ball with a handy innings as opener. He got Langwarrin off to a good start with a knock of 36. First drop batter Brittain took the game by the…
MORE than 60 unwanted cats have found their forever homes thanks to the tireless work of Bethany Swiggs. The passionate animal enthusiast founded her own cat rescue organisation last year, hoping to turn stray cats and unwanted cats into beloved pets. Big Dollan’s Fur Rescue has now been operating for 18 months. Swiggs said the organisation specialises in “rescuing, rehabbing, and rehoming cats and unwanted kittens in the local areas of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.” “I’ve been working in lower socio-economic places in Frankston like the Pines, working with residents to desex cats. We also take kittens into foster…
LITTLE Olly’s Cafe will continue trading at Oliver’s Hill thanks to the success of a, community-backed campaign. Earlier this month, the operators of Little Olly’s and neighbouring Cripps Fish and Chips were told that their permit to trade at the Olivers Hill boat ramp would not be renewed. Frankston Council planned to replace the two businesses with a mobile Mercetta’s restaurant. More than 12,000 people signed a petition protesting the removal of the portable cafe from its home at Olivers Hill. Late on Friday people power won out, and council announced that Little Olly’s and Cripps Fish and Chips would…
THE Victorian Liberal Party has promised to electrify the Frankston rail line to Baxter if it wins the November state election. The opposition says it will cost $971 million electrifying and duplicating the line and build new stations at Langwarrin and Frankston East. The previous Liberal federal government said it would contribute $225m towards the project. Six level crossings would be removed and both Frankston and Baxter stations would be upgraded. The opposition says the project would be delivered in the next four years. Opposition leader Matthew Guy said the project will “deliver better transport options and ease congestion for…
CRICKET PROVINCIAL OLD Peninsula picked up where they left off last season to get their MPCA season off to a good start. The reigning champions took on Baden Powell at Overport Park in their season opener. Old Peninsula were sent into bat first. A half century from opener Dylan O’Malley helped Old Peninsula get out of the gates. A massive knock of 92 from Justin Grant saw the champions put the game out of Baden Powell’s reach. Old Peninsula finished their innings at 7/227. Baden Powell worked hard but were bowled out for 194 in reply. Wade Pelzer tore through…
AN inquiry into the impacts of online gambling has been launched. Dunkley MP Peta Murphy chairs the House of Representatives’ standing committee on social policy and legal affairs. The committee is seeking submissions on online gambling and the impacts it can have on problem gamblers. Murphy says that the committee’s inquiry will “be a fresh look at online gambling and whether current laws, regulations, consumer protections and education and support programs are enough to reduce harm to gamblers”. “The committee is concerned about the increasing reach of online gambling platforms into Australians’ lives, the exposure of children and young people…
A VICTORIA Police operation is targeting monkey bike riders. Operation “Rolling Boulder” began at the start of the month, with police pouring more time and resources into catching riders of illegally modified bikes. Carrum Downs senior sergeant Alan Courtney said that the operation was important as monkey bike riding can be deadly. “Riding illegal dirt or monkey bikes on our streets and through our parks is never harmless fun. Our community is rightly sick of it and police have zero tolerance for any activity that threatens the safety of our community,” Courtney said. “We know all too well the devastating…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE FRANKSTON YCW are premiers of the MPNFL once again. The powerhouse club claimed premiership glory with an impressive Grand Final win over Bonbeach at Skybus Stadium last Sunday. Both clubs had to contend with wet conditions in Frankston. The Stonecats had the better of Bonbeach in the first quarter, but couldn’t make them pay. They kicked six behinds in a frustrating first term. Frankston YCW kicked straight in the second quarter, and established a handy lead. After a five-goals-to-one second term they went into half time ahead by 29 points. The main break came at a good…
AN investigation into the notorious speed camera at the intersection of Nepean Highway and Davey Street is underway. The speed limit at the intersection was reduced from 60 kmph to 40 kmph in October last year. Since then multiple motorists have contacted The News to complain about being fined, with one estimating that thousands of people had been caught by the speed camera. In late July, Victorian road safety camera commissioner Neville Taylor initiated an investigation into how the new speed limit was established. An end date for the investigation was not announced. A statement from the road safety camera…
MPNFL DIVISION TWO LANGWARRIN has put the finishing touches on its perfect season. The Kangaroos were crowned 2022 MPNFL Division Two premiers on Saturday. They defeated Karingal at Skybus Stadium. Langwarrin entered the Grand Final undefeated for the season. A four goals to zero opening quarter saw them take a big early lead. Karingal struggled to hit the scoreboard all day. Langwarrin were just too good for the Bulls, and went on to claim a 51 point win 10.9 (69) to 2.6 (18). Mitchell Cuthbert, Billy Rolfe, and Joel Bateman were Langy’s best. Josh Dormer booted three goals. The result…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE FRANKSTON YCW has earned its way into the 2022 grand final with a thrilling win over Bonbeach. The two sides did battle at Olympic Park. An upset looked like it could be on the cards at half time, as the Sharks went into the main break up by five points. The Stonecats took back control of the game in the third quarter. A four goals to one third term put YCW ahead by 14. Bonbeach didn’t take defeat lying down. They fought hard in the final term, but just couldn’t get over the line. Frankston YCW triumphed…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE BONBEACH has got its finals campaign off to a dream start. The Sharks played Mt Eliza in the qualifying final last Saturday. A seven goals to zero first half saw Bonbeach put the game away early. The Redlegs had trouble hitting the scoreboard all day. They were a little better in the second half, but still couldn’t get near the impressive Sharks. Bonbeach ran out 48 point winners over Mt Eliza 11.10 (76) to 3.10 (28). The Redlegs will have one more chance to restart their season this weekend. Dromana’s 2022 season has come to an end…
MPNFL DIVISION TWO PEARCEDALE are through to the next round of the finals after beating Devon Meadows in a do-or-die elimination final clash. Pearcedale got out to a good 24 point lead at half-time, but Devon Meadows managed to chip back the lead. Heading into the final term Pearcedale led by just one point. A three goals to zero final quarter sealed Devon Meadows’ fate. Pearcedale ran away with it, going on to claim a hard-fought 8.11 (59) to 11.20 (86) win. Huw Jones, Travis Bravo, Jake Frawley, and Archie McGuiness were Pearcedale’s best. Somerville’s finals campaign is off to…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE PINES are still in the hunt for finals after a thrilling win over Sorrento on Saturday. The Pythons looked good from the start at David Macfarlane Reserve. They took a healthy 26 point lead into the final term. Sorrento worked hard in the final quarter to get back into the contest. Pines were able to do enough to keep them at bay. Despite the late scare, Pines ended up winning 7.9 (51) to 8.12 (60). Nick Boswell booted five goals, making him one of the best on ground. The Pythons will go into the final home-and-away round…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE PINES face an uphill battle to make finals after a close defeat last weekend. Pines hit the road to take on Red Hill. The Hillmen and Pythons traded blows in a tight first half, with Pines ahead by seven at the main break. Red Hill flexed their muscle in the second half, taking back control of the game with a four goals to one third term. Pines were better in the last quarter, but couldn’t get back in the lead. Red Hill ended up defeating Pines by 15 points 13.11 (89) to 11.8 (74). James Fletcher, Jonah…
BOXING legend Johnny Famechon has died aged 77. A Frankston resident for five decades, Famechon was born Jean-Pierre in France, moving to Australia as a young child with his family and quickly taking to boxing, making his pro debut at Festival Hall aged just 16. In the ring, Famechon was a plucky and skilled fighter who fought with heart. He skipped amateur boxing and rose through the ranks quickly after debuting, with his strong defensive style setting him apart from the rest. Famechon’s crowning glory came in 1969. In front of a huge crowd in the main event at Royal…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE FRANKSTON YCW will almost certainly finish the 2022 season on top of the ladder. With a win over Bonbeach on Saturday, YCW went three games clear on top with three games to play. Their percentage is more than 40 per cent larger than second-place Mt Eliza’s, essentially securing the Stonecats top spot. Frankston YCW were excellent from the first bounce on their home deck last weekend. They scored nine goals to one in the first half. Bonbeach were able to hit the scoreboard more in the second half, but weren’t good enough to get close to the…
MPNFL DIVISION ONE MT Eliza gave their premiership hopes a huge boost on Saturday with a hard fought win over Sorrento. The Redlegs and Sharks are both in the mix for finals football this year. At David Macfarlane Reserve on Saturday, Mt Eliza started out the better side. The Redlegs went ahead with a three goals to one first term. They held onto their lead at each break of play, but couldn’t put the game to bed. The Sharks pushed hard in the final term, but couldn’t quite do enough to get the win. Mt Eliza held on to win…