MPNFL Division 2 2018: Ladder leader Dromana dodges boilover against gallant Tyabb

DROMANA coach Rikki Johnston admits his ladder-leading side could have easily been rolled by second-bottom Tyabb on Saturday.

DROMANA coach Rikki Johnston admits his ladder-leading side could have easily been rolled by second-bottom Tyabb on Saturday.

The biggest boilover of the season loomed when Tyabb hit the front at the 15-minute mark of the last quarter before Dromana dug deep and Ethan Johnstone kicked the match winner to help the Tigers prevail, 11.19 (85) to 10.14 (74).

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“They (Tyabb) have made some massive inroads which is probably great for footy, really,’’ Johnston said.

“(They were) super competitive and probably if a few things had gone other ways then we may have been in a different scenario.’’

Johnston said Dromana (14-1) was waiting for finals to begin.

“At the moment I don’t think we can be knocked off top spot and it’s kind of that trying to get through to the end of the season,’’ he said.

“I think it’s hard to stay up for long periods of time but in saying that we are just happy to tick off another win and move forward.’’

Dromana’s Joel Bateman weaves through traffic. Picture: Valeriu Campan.

Johnston said Dromana’s clash this week with Red Hill (the only side to have beaten the Tigers this season) would be welcomed.

“It’s going to be finals intensity and we really need that,’’ he said.

Dromana’s best on the weekend were Sam Guerts, Terry Wheeler, Rory Gregg in the ruck, Ben Holmes (four goals) and Johnstone (three).

Tyabb was gallant, with Brendan Doyle, Aaron Turner, Paul Ransom and Michael Altenkirch impressing, while Jack Doman booted four.

Langwarrin’s finals hopes received a boost after beating fifth-placed Hastings 13.12 (90) to 11.3 (69).

Mitch Cuthbert, Luke Churcher and Nick Tuddenham were outstanding as the Kangaroos sprinted to a 21-popint lead at quarter-time and refused to yield. Langy are in sixth spot, six points behind Hastings, but have a favourable run home.

Red Hill’s winning streak is up to eight after dispatching second-placed Karingal 11.11 (77) to 5.7 (37). Josh Mold, Lachlan Chandler, Jonah Siversen and Zach Vines (two goals) were instrumental as the Hillmen led throughout. For Karingal, Michael Burke and Dylan Gregson were best.

A sparkling display by 17-year-old Luke Daniel helped Pearcedale to a 16.10 (106) to 14.13 (97) win over Crib Point. Daniel played on the ball and wing, kicking three goals to help the Dales bank their fifth win of the season. Fellow teenager Luke Dalmau also starred, along with David Hussey, Dan Heijden and Jahron Ostrom. For Cribby, Brendan Phillips, Elliott Avis and Brad Arnold tried hard.

Curtis Bywater slotted five goals and Andrew Silva four in Chelsea’s 51-point win over Somerville. Reid Crowe, Matt Ponton and Todd Gardiner were dominant.

Devon Meadows edged Rye by three points, with Michael Theodoridis firing off six goals.