MPNFL
DIVISION ONE
RED Hill picked up a thrilling upset win over Frankston YCW on Saturday.
The Hillmen hosted the second-placed Stonecats at Red Hill Recreation Reserve. They desperately needed a win to remain in finals contention.
The Stonecats were in control throughout most of the day. After a dominant third term Frankston YCW looked on track to win, leading by six goals at the final break of play.
A six-goals-to-zero final term sealed the Stonecats’ fate. The Hillmen bravely surged home, and ended up getting the win by a point.
Red Hill claimed the narrowest of come-from-behind victories 9.7 (61) to 8.12 (60).
Daniel Frampton, Misi Faimalo, Kalen Bird, Charlie Robinson-Cay, and Jonah Siversen were Red Hill’s best. Bird booted three goals.
Sorrento remain two games clear inside the top five after a good win against Langwarrin.
After a tight opening half, Sorrento put their foot down. The Sharks booted six goals to two in the final term to claim an 8.6 (54) to 14.6 (90) win.
Undefeated Dromana stretched their unbeaten run to 15 with a 28-point win over Frankston Bombers on Saturday. At the other end of the ladder, last-place Bonbeach were defeated by Mt Eliza 5.3 (33) to 12.11 (83).
Pines moved within striking distance of second place with a hard-fought seven point win over Rosebud last weekend. The Pythons are one game behind the Stonecats, but are at a significant percentage disadvantage.
Three rounds remain before finals.
DIVISION TWO
EDITHVALE-ASPENDALE has finals in their sights after a huge win against Somerville.
The battle for fifth place has been hotly contested this season. Edithvale-Aspendale have been in the mix, and made a huge step towards finals on Saturday.
In front of their home crowd, Edithvale-Aspendale were at their best. They smashed Somerville by nearly 100 points 26.13 (169) to 11.10 (76).
Nick Carlon was electric up front. He booted eight goals to help his side claim an important percentage boosting win.
Edi-Asp finished the round in fifth place. They are equal on points with Chelsea and Pearecdale, but boast the best percentage in the league.
Chelsea slipped up on Saturday against Devon Meadows. They fought back from a four-goals-to-zero start to get back in the lead, but a poor final quarter cost them the game.
Devon Meadows beat Chelsea 11.11 (77) to 14.13 (97). Joel Hillis was the Panthers’ best – he kicked five goals.
Pearcedale fell to second-placed Karingal last weekend. The Bulls have struggled for form lately, but showed up at home on Saturday to beat Pearcedale 12.13 (85) to 11.4 (70).
Ladder leaders Mornington kept hold of their spot with a huge 20.20 (140) to 11.6 (72) win over Seaford last weekend.
Hastings and Tyabb rounded out the winner’s list with victories over Rye and Crib Point respectively.
NEXT WEEK’S GAMES
Division One
Frankston YCW v Bonbeach, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, John Coburn
Langwarrin v Dromana, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Lloyd Park
Frankston Bombers v Rosebud, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Baxter Park
Sorrento v Eliza, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, David Macfarlane Reserve
Pines v Red Hill, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Eric Bell Reserve
Division Two
Chelsea v Mornington, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Chelsea Recreation Reserve
Devon Meadows v Crib Point, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Glover Reserve
Edithvale-Aspendale v Hastings, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Edi-Asp Regents Park
Karingal v Tyabb, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Karingal Football Club
Pearcedale v Rye, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Pearcedale Recreation Reserve
Somerville v Seaford, 2pm, Sat 5 Aug, Somerville Football Club
First published in the Frankston Times – 1st August 2023