DIVISION ONE
A four point thriller between Bonbeach and Frankston Bombers was the standout of a number of tight contests in MPNFL Division One football this weekend.
Three goals from former Sydney Swan Trent Dennis-Lane saw Bonbeach narrowly defeat a Bombers side that held the lead at each of the major breaks in the game. With a comfortable 15 point advantage at three-quarter time, Frankston looked well and truly home before a final quarter comeback saw Bonbeach take advantage of Frankston’s poor goal kicking accuracy and end the game just ahead, winning 10.10 (70) to 8.18 (66).
The four points earned by Bonbeach saw them jump up the ladder to sixth place with three wins and three losses after an inconsistent start to their season. They will be hoping the momentum from the win on Saturday will carry into next week, when they take on last placed Mornington at Alexandra Park.
Despite not quite getting across the line, it was Mornington who produced perhaps the most impressive performance across the weekend, nearly pulling off an almighty upset in a hearty effort against top of the ladder Frankston YCW.
Frankston YCW, dominant premiers of the 2017 Peninsula League and undefeated so far this season, will have expected to brush aside the lowly Mornington with ease. Mornington have yet to register a win all season and were coming off a comprehensive 10 goal loss to Sorrento last week, but this seemed not to faze an inspired Mornington at all.
To the shock of the home crowd, their side went into quarter time in front before going on to expand their lead to 23 points by the half time break. YCW were not doing themselves any favours either, and by three-quarter time had kicked a dismal three goals and 13 behinds.
Unfortunately for Mornington, Frankston YCW were able to find another gear for the last quarter, holding their opponents goalless and kicking five of their own to overrun Mornington 7.12 (54) to 8.18 (66).
Mornington’s courageous effort was headlined by a star performance from Jackson Calder, who booted four goals in his side’s valiant attempt at victory. The side will be looking to turn these positive signs into a positive result, and will take a lot of confidence into their clash against Bonbeach at home next week.
At Eric Bell Reserve, another side was made to rue poor form in front of goal as Pines went down at home to Sorrento Sharks. Pines struggled to recover from an incredibly frustrating first quarter, in which they failed to register a goal but managed to put six behinds on the scoreboard.
Sorrento also struggled for accuracy in front of goals, but ultimately three goals from Luke Tapscott saw them come out as victors, winning 10.18 (78) to Pines’ 8.19 (67).
At Rosebud’s Olympic Oval the home side nearly secured their second victory of the season in a neck and neck battle with Edithvale-Aspendale, but ultimately fell short by just seven points, losing 10.13 (73) to 11.14 (80) thanks to three goals from Edithvale-Aspendale’s Brent Bowden.
It was also another tough week for Seaford, who were easily overrun at home by third placed Mt Eliza. After an almighty battle that saw them only walk away with a draw last week, Seaford were not able to bounce back to find a positive result on Saturday. The club has now failed to secure a win since Round One, and is in danger of slipping further down the ladder against second place Sorrento next weekend at David McFarlane Reserve.