MPFNL: Hastings and Crib Point climb Division 2 ladder
Hastings has surged into the MPFNL Division 2 top five after snapping a 30-year drought at Mornington. And Crib Point has climbed to third spot.
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Hastings coach Gavin Artico has quickly shut down talk of finals for his young side.
The Blues inflicted the first defeat of the season on premiership contenders Mornington on Saturday, securing a gutsy 31-point victory at Alexandra Park.
It was Hastings’ second win in a row, giving the Blues a 3-2 start and lifting them to fifth spot in MPFNL Division 2.
Are finals on the radar?
“I’m not talking that one yet,” Artico shot back.
“But as long as the boys believe that their footy can stack up…you’ve got to get these guys to understand that there’s a system we want to play.
“We’ve seen it a few times, and they can see what happens when they run off and do their own stuff.
“The challenge for them is just above the shoulders and a bit of composure too, not to get frazzled.”
Hastings kicked six goals to one in the opening quarter to rush to a 30-point lead at the first break.
Mornington responded with an eight-goal second quarter blitz to hit the front by two points at half-time.
But Hastings steadied, took its chances and pulled away for a 16.13 (109) to 11.12 (78) victory.
It was Hastings’ first win at Mornington since Round 15, 1993, ending a 30-year dry spell.
Luke Hewitt kicked five goals, including the sealer — a clever snap around the corner in the final quarter.
Soon after, teenager Kade Foster iced the game with his third goal.
Tom Baker, Luke Clark, Peter Megee, Jack Slocombe and ruckman Cooper De Merlo were also named in Hastings’ best.
Under 19 lad Louis Connard was involved in several vital plays in the last quarter, as was Cooper Clearihan in his second senior game for the Blues.
Mornington playing-coach Josh Newman didn’t play after he was a late withdrawal with a calf strain.
Hastings has rebounded strongly after being thrashed by Tyabb three weeks ago.
“It wasn’t scintillating footy but we played a good consistent brand for four quarters which was nice,” Artico said of Saturday’s win.
He added: “Hopefully consistency has started, a bit of belief.
“It threw up a couple of big questions when lost to Tyabb.
“We’ve rebounded and hit back pretty hard so it’s good…everyone’s focused and feeling good around the joint.”
Crib Point climbed to third spot after overpowering Seaford by 36 points at RF Miles Reserve. Former senior captain Zak Dekleuver played his first senior game in more than 700 days as the Magpies kicked seven goals to three after half-time to win 14.18 (102) to 9.12 (66). Jayden MacNab, Josh Le Grice and Tim Cook in the ruck were influential for the 3-2 Crib Point, along with co-captains Brad Arnold and Miles Shepherd. It was Cribby’s first way win for the season. “Sitting third is a great feeling and has the club hungry for more success,” Cribby coach Andrew Gilmour said. “It’s an exciting group of players. We’re starting to play really well together.”
Karingal is the only undefeated side after seeing off Devon Meadows 10.8 (68) to 7.13 (55) at Ballam Park. Jackson Burke, son of club great Michael Burke, debuted and impressed. Brad Little also made his senior debut after Dale Alanis pulled out at midday. “We had three out of our five leadership group out yesterday, so it was great to see other guys step up and play their role,” Karingal coach Luke Forsyth said. Matt Robinson kicked four goals for the Bulls, while ruckman Agape Patolo was outstanding, along with Alex Frawley and Riley D’Arcy.
Somerville’s 32-point win over Tyabb came at a cost, with Lachlan Sharp and Miller Stewart sustaining injuries. Sharp is waiting on scans for a knock to his cheek and Stewart suffered a badly rolled ankle. Tom Payne, Jesse Walker-Swain, Jaxsen Shinners and Ethan Watts were Somerville’s best players in the 12.20 (92) to 9.6 (60) victory, the Eagles’ third on the bounce. Captain Lachlan Williams slotted four goals.
Chelsea improved its record to 3-2 with a 33-point win over Rye, 12.12 (84) to 7.9 (51). Jesse Davies continued his good form with three goals, while Lexian Xiberras, Jack Wallace, Jacob Spasevski, Todd Gardiner, Brayden Chapple and Bradley Clark were named in the Seagulls best. Rye led by 10 point at half-time but managed to only one goal in the second half. The three Barnes boys were named Rye’s best — Justin, Clayton and Mitchell.
Pearcedale came from behind to edge Edi-Asp by two points, 8.11 (59) to 7.15 (57). Jake Frawley was awesome and his efforts late in the game were vital in the Dales’ victory. Riley Bradshaw, Luke Settineri, Cruiz West, Casey Miller-Trickey and Ryan Bastinac were also named in Pearcedale’s best. Ethan Vagg and Jackson Hartgen made their senior debuts, while Miller-Trickey came in for his first senior game in a few seasons. “They gave us great energy and all contributed,’’ Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac said. “Edi Asp are a good team and we feel this win will give us great confidence going forward.’’ Edi-Asp kicked 1.9 after half-time and coach Paul McCormack said his players need to learn how to win again. “We’ve won like six games in four years,’’ he said. “They’ve just got to get in their heads that they’re good enough, and just get used to winning.’’
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