Frankston YCW claims Peninsula league flag after holding out a gallant Mornington
FRANKSTON YCW captures its fourth Peninsula league premiership in five years after edging Mornington in a stunning grand final
Inner South
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FRANKSTON YCW claimed its fourth premiership in five years after holding off a fast-finishing Mornington by six points in a frantic finish to the Peninsula league grand final on Sunday.
The Stonecats saw their 27-point lead in the last quarter evaporate as a desperate Mornington surged home, slotting three successive goals.
But the Bulldogs will rue several crucial misses in the last 10 minutes as YCW held on to win 8.15 (63) to 8.9 (57) at a sun-drenched Frankston Park.
Frankston YCW coach Scott Mathers, who took the Stonecats to glory in his first season in charge, was jubilant and relieved after the game.
“We held on in the end — I’m not quite sure how,’’ he said. “They (Mornington) were running on top of the ground at the end.
“I’m not sure if we were a little bit soft in the end with only the one game. But they kept coming. We knew they would. I thought they were going to come in the third quarter, not the last.’’
Frankston YCW kicked three of the first four goals of the game to lead by 13 points at quarter time.
Stonecats small forward Ben Tellis snapped two goals in the second quarter as YCW increased its lead to 27 points by half-time.
Mornington narrowed YC’s lead to 15 point in the third term.
There were a lot of spilt marks and turnovers both sides struggled to seize control. Late in the term, Tellis shook off a tackle to snap his third and YCW was out by four goals.
Big Bulldog forward Williams banged through a 50m goal to have Mornington within 18 points at the last change.
The last quarter was all YCW early. Ben Buckley hit up Kyle Hutchison, who slotted it through to put the Stonecats 25 points up. It was to be the Stonecats’ last goal of the season.
Mornington mounted a charge, started by a goal by Anthony Franchina.
The Bulldogs got a sniff and suddenly were energised as Stuart Seager and Adrian Speedy peppered the goals, but missed.
YCW’s Dale Carroll arrived late to a marking attempt by Mornington’s Emilio Bitters, giving away a 50m penalty.
Bitters slotted the goal and the Bulldogs, within 13 points, were coming. Miller got the clearance ... and had a shot, but missed.
At the 21 minute mark, Williams’ left foot kick found Mornington forward Jackson Calder. He went back and slotted it and Mornington was within six points.
Bulldogs player Chris Baker had the chance to level scores but his shot on the run missed the lot and went out on the full.
Hutchison took a decisive mark in defence. Mornington were attacking and Danny Nolan had the ball 40m out when the siren sounded.
YCW ruckman Ash Eames was awarded the best-on-ground medal.
In the reserves, Mt Eliza’s Luke Young kicked a long goal after the final siren to give the Redlegs a one-point win over Frankston YCW.
Mt Eliza won the Under 18s flag, beating Mornington by 46 points.
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