MPFNL 2023: Hastings hang tough in local derby classic against Crib Point

Hastings edged Crib Point by a point, with several moments of brilliance proving telling. Cribby’s loss was compounded by a season-ending injury to a young gun.

Hastings players celebrate a goal on Saturday. Picture: Jorja G Photography

Hastings coach Gav Artico says his emerging side took another big step forward on Saturday when it edged Crib Point by a point in a local derby thriller in MPFNL Division 2.

It was how the Blues responded when challenged in the last quarter that pleased Artico, who has taken over as coach this season.

Hastings prevailed 7.13 (55) to 7.12 (54).

“Crib Point brought pretty good intensity and pressure all day,” he said.

“I think we ended up behind twice in the last quarter. To go behind twice and be able to fight back, that was pleasing.

“But, geez, it was close.”

Hastings' Peter Megee tackles Crib's Warwick Miller. Pic: Jorja G Photography

Ignited by a exuberant home crowd, Crib Point had the use of a slight breeze in the last quarter and the Magpies looked like finishing over the top of Hastings.

That was until Hastings forward Luke Hewitt jagged a goal “out of nowhere”, getting his boot to the ball to put the visitors in front near the end.

“They launched one last effort…it went inside fifty, but after a scramble the siren went,” Artico said.

“It was on right till the last siren.

“The clubs can produce good games…and it’s always hard to win at Crib, regardless of how the sides are going. I think every club would be happy to walk out of there with four points.”

Hastings young gun Clayton Gay capped a best-afield display with two goals.

His laser-like pass to set up Luke Clark’s goal seconds before the three-quarter time siren was a sizzler.

Clayton Gay celebrates a goal on Saturday. Picture: Jorja G Photography

Hastings coach Gav Artico talks to his player at the huddle.

On debut, teenager Jackson Muscillo kicked two goals for Hastings and was lively throughout in an impressive display.

Ben King played his best game for the season, in the ruck and forward.

Nic Xerri, Jordan Nennstiel and Nathan Gray were also instrumental in the win.

With a 6-5 record, Hastings sits in sixth spot, a game behind fifth placed Edi-Asp, and Artico said his side would embrace the challenge of trying to pinch a finals berth.

The Blues face Seaford, Mornington and Devon Meadows in the next three rounds.

“Percentage and all that...let’s not fuss about that, we’ve just got to make sure we keep banking four points to keep us with some sort of chance of playing finals,’’ he said.

“Just keep winning as many as you can and see where it ends up in the wash.”

Crib Point’s narrow loss was salted by a season-ending injury to forward Tom Panich, who ruptured his Achilles in the last quarter.

Crib Point coach Andrew Gilmour revs up his players at the last break.

Magpies coach Andrew Gilmour said the support from local supporters was outstanding and it was “a real shame’’ his side couldn’t clinch victory.

“It was one of those games,’’ he said.

“It could have gone for another 20 minutes and we would have had another three lead changes I think. It was just a timing thing in the end which was a real shame because it would have been huge for us.’’

A huge crowd gathered around the Crib Point huddle at three-quarter time to hear Gilmour deliver a rousing address, causing hairs on the back of necks to stand up.

“How was the crowd!,’’ Gilmour said.

“Crib Point are incredible really...such a great club.’’

Warwick Miller booted five goals for Crib Point, while Liam Tyrrell, Sean Parker and Zak Dekleuver had excellent games.