MPNFL
DIVISION ONE
MPNFL top division football returned with a bang last weekend, with fans treated to an entertaining round.
It was the battle of the Sharks on Saturday when Sorrento hosted Bonbeach. Both teams came into the game inside the top six.
Bonbeach looked the better side throughout the game. They led at each break of play, with the lead standing at 27 at three-quarter-time.
Bonbeach had to withstand a fierce final quarter fight from Sorrento. The home side booted four goals in the last quarter and kept Bonbeach scoreless, but it wasn’t quite enough to get over the line.
Bonbeach held on to win by seven points 11.7 (73) to 11.14 (80).
Owen Hulett, Jackson Casey, and Sam Gilbert were named in the best for Bonbeach. Hulett kicked three goals.
The win puts Bonbeach third, equal on points with Mt Eliza.
At Eric Bell Reserve, Pines and Frankston Bombers played out a thriller.
Players in the game wore blue armbands for road safety round, which was recognised in sports leagues across Victoria last weekend. The message hits close to home for the Bombers after losing beloved clubman Ben Tournier in a road accident last year.
The Bombers applied scoreboard pressure early and took a 14 point lead into quarter time. Pines whittled back the lead to a point by the main break.
A frustrating third term followed for both sides. Pines failed to hit the scoreboard, but the Bombers couldn’t capitalise. They kicked 1.10 for the term.
Pines scored five last quarter goals to get back in the running, but the Bombers were able to hold on.
Frankston Bombers emerged victorious by just two points – 10.12 (72) to 9.20 (74).
Ladder leaders Frankston YCW kept up their winning ways by beating Red Hill last weekend. The Hillmen were competitive, but eventually succumbed to a 19 point defeat.
Mt Eliza kept hold of second place by beating Rosebud 12.19 (81) to 8.6 (54). The final game for the round saw Dromana comfortably defeat Edithvale-Aspendale.
DIVISION TWO
AN epic after-the-siren goal secured Crib Point their first win of the season on Saturday.
It’s been a tough season for the Magpies, who come into the game on bottom of the ladder. They took on finals contender Pearcedale at Crib Point Recreation Reserve.
To the surprise of many, it was a tight game from the get-go. The lead changed hands at each break of play, with Pearcedale ahead by eight at three-quarter-time.
The final quarter was a tense affair, with neither team able to pull ahead by much. Pearcedale led by four points with the game moments away from its conclusion.
The final siren sounded with the ball in the hands of Crib Point’s Jett Bauer. He would line up for goal with a chance to give his team the victory they had been waiting all season for.
Bauer was up to the task. He slotted home the goal and secured the win for his side, with players and supporters coming from all over the ground to join in the rapturous celebrations.
Crib Point triumphed 10.5 (65) to 9.9 (63). As an added bonus, the win also puts them ahead of Tyabb at the bottom of the ladder.
At the other end of the ladder, Langwarrin stretched their unbeaten run to 14 with a win over Devon Meadows.
It’s been a good season for Devon Meadows, who came into the match in second place. They took the fight right to the Kangaroos, and even led at three-quarter-time.
Langwarrin put together a good final quarter to grab the close win 10.9 (69) to 9.6 (60). The win takes them to 14-0 for the season, but they have looked beatable in recent weeks.
Blake Peach, Matthew Peynenborg, and Zach Andrewartha were Langy’s best.
Chelsea finished the round in third after beating Tyabb by 28.
In other matchups Karingal and Mornington secured comfortable wins over Hastings and Somerville respectively.
Rye and Seaford had a good game at RF Miles Recreation Reserve, with Rye eventually claiming a ten point win. Andrew Dean scored six goals for the Demons.