Pythons win grand final rematch DIVISION ONE
By Brodie Cowburn PINES have put Sorrento through another day of misery at Frankston Park, taking all four points in a rematch of last year’s grand final. Both teams played off in one of the most thrilling grand finals in history last year, with Pines eventually claiming the win with a point after the siren. This is the first time the two sides have met since that day. Early on it looked as if things would end up close again, with the lead changing hands at each break of play. Neither side led by more than a kick at any break. Pines led by two points at threequarter-time, and blew the Sharks out of the water in the final term. A seven goals to one last term saw Pines secure the win 16.10 (106) to 9.13 (67). Aaron Edwards had a huge impact for Pines, kicking four goals. The match was a curtain raiser for the Frankston Dolphins’ VFL clash with North Melbourne. The Dolphins performed valiantly and snapped a 20 match losing streak to defeat the Kangaroos 16.14 (110) to 8.12 (60). At Emil Madsen Reserve, Edithvale-Aspendale scored an important win on the road against Mt Eliza. The Eagles have struggled badly this year, and have hovered dangerously above the bottom of the ladder all season. They signalled their intentions with a strong four goals to one first term, but the Redlegs had worked their way back into the contest by half time. Edi-Asp’s chances of picking up the win were helped by their excellent
form in front of goal. At half time they had put seven goals on the board without registering a minor score. The Redlegs could only manage one goal in a low scoring third quarter, as Edi-Asp took their lead out to nine points. They were able to hold Mt Eliza off and get the win 8.15 (63) to 13.4 (82). The victory is Edi-Asp’s second for the year. It puts them a game ahead of Mornington, who find themselves in danger of relegation. Nicholas Connellan was named as Edi-Asp’s best on the day. At Greg Beck Oval, the Frankston Bombers grinded out a good win at home over Rosebud. Rosebud were well on top in the first half, holding the Bombers to just one behind and going into half time with a very comfortable 37 point lead. The Bombers had to dig deep to fight their way back, and dig deep they did. A six goals to zero blitz helped the Bombers sneak their way back into the lead going into the final quarter. They were able to hold on to snatch a character building six point win. The final score read 11.4 (70) to 9.9 (63). The Bombers put on a defensive masterclass in the second half, limiting the Buds to just two scoring shots. The win puts them within striking distance of the top six. Bonbeach also had a good afternoon at home, securing a win over Frankston YCW. The Sharks got the jump on the Stonecats early, and looked in control at half time. They lead by 19 points at the main break. The Stonecats weren’t able to do much to chip the lead back in the second half.
Flying to victory: Pines claimed a 39 point victory in the grand final rematch against Sorrento. Picture: Andrew Hurst
They blew the chance of victory with a poor performance in front of goal. They kicked 6.13 for the afternoon. Bonbeach have Trent Dennis-Lane to thank for the win, as the former AFL player booted five majors. The final score was Bonbeach 10.6 (66) to
YCW 6.13 (49). Dromana kept up their excellent form this year, defeating bottom of the ladder Mornington with ease. The Tigers have proved they can hang with their Division One opponents this season, and currently sit in
second place with just two defeats to their name. Determined not to add another against the Bulldogs, Dromana applied scoreboard pressure all day and eventually secured the four points with an 11.9 (75) to 17.14 (116) win.
Bulls and Hillmen continue excellent form DIVISION TWO
In safe hands: Chelsea managed to tough out a win against Seaford, eventually finishing with a 14 point margin. Picture: Andrew Hurst
By Brodie Cowburn CHELSEA have put themselves in the box seat for a finals spot this season, after they scored an important win over Seaford away from home. Both sides have enjoyed similar fortunes for the year and came into the contest with six wins to their name. With just four points separating third place from seventh place, every win is becoming crucial for sides battling for a finals spot. Chelsea ensured they would get the win with a stunning first term. They booted eight goals to Seaford’s one, putting the contest almost beyond doubt right from the get go. At half time the gap widened, and the Seagulls led the Tigers by 59. Up by close to 10 goals, the Seagulls let their foot off the gas in the second half. Seaford scored 10 second half goals while Chelsea managed just three. Seaford managed to chip the margin down to just 17 points, but ran out of time. Despite the late surge, Chelsea held on to claim the win 12.9 (81) to 15.5 (95). Andrew Silva was important in front of goal and scored five majors. Luke Shannon was also named among Chelsea’s best for the third week running. At the top end of the table, Red Hill kept up their good form with a 45 point win over Somerville.
The Hillmen have been the best defensive team in the competition this season by some distance, and showed that again on Saturday. They restricted the Eagles to just three first half goals. Red Hill enjoyed an even spread of goalkickers again, with nine players hitting the scoreboard. The final score read 9.7 (61) to 16.10 (106). Matthew Hyden scored four goals for the afternoon, while Zach Vines again proved a handy contributor with three. Red Hill’s toughest opponents for the premiership this year will be Karigal, who have still not registered a loss in 2019. Up against Rye at Ballam Park Reserve, they were determined to keep it that way. Both sides traded blows in a scrappy first term, but it was the Demons who went into the half time break with the advantage. They led by nine points going into the second half, leaving the Bulls with a difficult task ahead of them to keep their winning streak intact. Karingal came out in the third term and charged over the top of the Demons, putting their hopes of a shock win to bed. Rye worked hard but couldn’t pull off the upset. They lost to Karingal 11.7 (73) to 6.9 (45). Michael Burke booted four goals for the Bulls in the absence of Marc Holt. At the other end of the ladder, Tyabb fought off Crib Point at Crib Point Recreation Reserve.
Coming off their first victory for the year, Crib Point were looking to upset Tyabb. The Yabbies themselves had only managed victory twice this season, so it loomed as a dangerous game for them. The Yabbies got off on the right foot, and looked comfortable at half time. They led by 35 at the main break. Crib Point gave Tyabb an almighty scare in the third term, chipping the lead back to 11 and making it anyone’s game going into the last quarter. Tyabb managed to hold on, and scored victory 10.5 (65) to 12.14 (86). Matthew Ravenall scored five goals for Tyabb. He now has 21 for the year and 14 in the last three games. Despite losing star recruit Brendan Fevola to injury, Hastings had absolutely no trouble finding the scoreboard in a good win over Pearcedale. They shared the responsibility with 10 individual goalkickers on the day. They took out all four points with an 11.7 (73) to 16.23 (119) win. Langwarrin had no trouble at all at Lloyd Park on Saturday, smashing Devon Meadows by 103 points. The Panthers put just three goals on the board and had a miserable afternoon. The final siren sounded to put them out of their misery with the scoreboard reading 19.14 (128) to 3.7 (25). Josh Biggs scored four goals and was named best afield for the victorious Kangaroos. Frankston Times 18 June 2019
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