Chasing finals: Crib Point a club on the rise in MPFNL Division 2

The Magpies’ flock of young guns are flying high as Cribby’s emergence as a genuine contender in MPFNL Division 2 continues.

Crib Point players celebrate their win over Tyabb on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Crib Point has undoubtedly been the big improvers in the opening seven weeks of the Mornington Peninsula league Division 2 season.

With four wins the Magpies have consolidated fifth spot, earning respect from rivals along the way.

Already doubling the amount of wins they had last season, Crib Point is now in the running to end a decade-long absence from the finals.

Coach Andrew Gilmour, in his second season at the helm after replacing Steve Hamill, has moulded a group of talented young locals and a bunch of recruits into a winning outfit.

Crib Point coach Andrew Gilmour. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Crib Point’s big test will come in the next three weeks, with games against fellow finals aspirants Edi-Asp (away), Chelsea (home) and Pearcedale (home).

Last Saturday, Crib Point played a dynamic brand of football to thrash Tyabb by 64 points, 12.14 (86) to 2.10 (22).

Best and fairest winner Cooper Wisken was brilliant, with recruits Josh Le Grice and Liam Tyrrell also running rampant.

Kane Tyrrell looked dangerous up forward, booting three goals.

Lee Sheehan, Jett Bauer and Will Jago were also named in the Magpies best.

Cooper Wisken.

Lee Sheehan.

In other games:

Jaxsen Shinners kicked three goals and Lachlan Williams and Luke Burton were exceptional as Somerville scored a come-from-behind 16-point win over Edi-Asp, 11.14 (80) to9.10 (64). The Eagles booted three unanswered goals in the final quarter after scores were level at three-quarter time. Mackenzie Casson, Liam Gruar and Daniel Marshall also impressed for the 4-3 Somerville.

Crib Point players celebrate. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Magpies walk off after beating Tyabb. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Nick Battle was best afield and Dean Kent made an impressive return from injury to help Devon Meadows snatch a two-point win over Chelsea, 12.13 (85) to 13.5 (83). The Panthers powered home after trailing by 19 points at the final break, kicking four goals to one in the last term. Stefan Baumgartner, Joel Hillis, Nathan Drew and ruckman Riley Simmons were also outstanding for the winners.

Hastings edged Rye by four points, 10.17 (77) to 10.13 (73), to climb to third spot. Rhys Wilkinson, Luke Clark, Patrick Wilson and Louis Connard were among the Blues’ best, while Adam Kirkwood, Louis Barbour and Kalani Ryan tried hard for Rye.