MPNFL 2018: Hailstorm makes Pines wait to claim 18-point Division 1 win over Mornington
A VIOLENT hailstorm stopped play in the final quarter of the Mornington-Pines game at Alexandra Park on Saturday.
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A VIOLENT hailstorm stopped play in the final quarter of the Mornington-Pines game at Alexandra Park on Saturday.
Concerned there might be lightning in the area, umpires went off the ground for about five minutes.
“It was bucketing down,’’ Pines coach Paddy Swayn said. “And, gee, it was dark.’’
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When play resumed, Pines put the finishing touches on a solid win, 16.9 (105) to 13.9 (87), to continue its push for a top-three spot.
The Pythons, on a five-game winning streak, are hitting form at the business end of the season and they’ll only get stronger. Star midfielder Luke Potts, back from overseas, performed well in the reserves on Saturday and will slot back into the seniors this week.
Pines led Mornington by three points at halftime and kicked away in the third term as Aaron Edwards (four goals), Nick Wilcox (three), Rhys Chalkley (two), Tom McDermott (two) and Guy Hendry (two) hit the scoreboard.
Nick Boswell continued his sparkling form for Pines, along with Shaun White and Kyal Jacobson.
“Their (Mornington’s) midfield was probably better than ours on the day,’’ Swayn said. “But our forwards’ work off the ball was very good.’’
For Mornington, Joel Miller continued his splendid season, along with Chris Baker and Tom Hobbs.
Bonbeach’s 26-point loss to Seaford was further soured by a serious injury to James Murnane.
The former Dolphin broke his ankle in the second quarter and underwent surgery on Sunday.
After a tight battle, Seaford found another gear in the last quarter to swamp Bonbeach.
Ruckman Matt Terech and defender Zach Vansittart provided the spark as the Tigers kicked five unanswered goals in the last term.
“We really lifted and just ran all over them in the last quarter, a great team effort, everyone contributed,’’ Seaford coach Ben Murphy said.
“It’s credit to the boys, at this time of year after so many losses in a row, they could have been forgiven for throwing in the towel but they didn’t and finally got reward.’’
Ben Howlett, Sam Lonie, Rourke Fischer and Matt McCormack (three goals) also impressed for Seaford.
Frankston YCW secured a spot in the finals with a gritty 31-point win over Rosebud, 7.8 (50) to 2.7 (19), at Coburn Oval.
The Stonecats can now prepare for a shot at history — a fifth successive flag.
On debut, Josh Berenger — a nephew of YC great Mark Berenger — slotted the opening goal of the game as the Stonecats fought hard all day in the mud. Jacob Cheverly, Christian Ongarello, Matt La Fontaine and Mackenna Hura also impressed, while Scott MacLeod played his first game in more than two months. For Rosebud, Fletcher Hustwaite and Ben Dwyer tried hard.
“It was wet and slippery … not a great spectacle, lots of stoppages, body contact and it was a battle of defences,’’ YCW coach Wayne Capp said.
Mt Eliza climbed to second spot after giving Edi-Asp a start and a beating at Madsen Reserve.
The Redlegs turned a seven-point halftime deficit into a 22-point win, 11.11 (77) to 8.7 (55), as Frankston VFL player Robbie Turnbull, Tom Freeman and Tom Small ran rampant.
Mt Eliza fired off six goals to two in the third term as rain fell. Skipper Shane Tennant and key forward Jordan Moncrieff (three goals) also were instrumental in the win, along with James Hammond.
Ladder leaders Sorrento dispatched Frankston Bombers 15.15 (105) to 6.13 (49), with Leigh Poholke firing off six goals and Shannon Gladman capping a best-on-ground display with a goal.
Mitch Hallahan, Luke Tapscott, Danny Stephenson and James Brigden also impressed for the Sorras (13-4).
The Bombers’ fourth straight loss ends their finals hopes.
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