MPNFL 2019: Dromana consolidates third spot after rousing win over Sorrento

Dromana finished with a flourish to beat Sorrento in what Tigers coach Rikki Johnston described as one of the best wins he’s experienced.

Brett Dore was best afield for Edithvale-Aspendale in its win over Rosebud on Saturday. Picture: Chris Eastman

Dromana coach Rikki Johnston labelled his side’s stirring come-from-behind win over Sorrento on Saturday as one of the best he’s been involved in.

The Tigers turned a 41-point quarter-time deficit into a rousing 16-point win, 10.14 (74) to 7.16 (58), in front of a vocal home crowd at the Jungle.

Dromana livewire Sam Fowler slotted four goals and provided a spark as the Tigers outscored Sorrento 5.4 to 1.3 in the last quarter.

Dromana coach Rikki Joohnston. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“To be completely honest with you, I even thought we were in a bit of trouble to start the game,’’ Johnston said.

“We started a bit flat…and at quarter time I said to the boys if we can peg it back a little bit at a time and get within striking distance I thought we were a chance.’’

Sorrento’s Angus Callaghan kicked the opening goal of the last term to put the Sharks 15 points up but Dromana then got on a roll.

Fowler booted a beauty and then another from a goal square scrum before Terry Wheeler put the Tigers in front for the first time. Fowler then smartly found Ethan Johnstone, who slotted another as the home side got on top.

Sam Fowler in last season’s grand final.

Billy Geurts, Wheeler, Rohan Bleeker, Johnston, Jai Taylor and Zac Muschialli were best for Dromana.

“It’s one of the more memorable wins I can remember, definitely,’’ Johnston said.

“Forty points down against Sorrento, who are a big rival of ours. And you know, we’ve been challenged over the last couple of weeks, we’ve had a bit of a flat spot with injuries and we were a bit under the pump yesterday and to come away with a win in those conditions was brilliant.’’

For Sorrento, Mitch Hallahan, Jye Lloyd and Luke Lowden tried hard and Callaghan did well kicking three goals.

Pines star Paul “Chewy’’ Scanlon made a successful return from injury, kicking the opening goal of the game to help the Pythons to a 36-point win over Bonbeach, 10.14 (74) to 5.8 (38).

Simon Bishop took the coaching reins while suspended coach Paddy Swayn watched from his car. The Pythons rushed to a 33-point lead in the first quarter and maintained control.

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Former Pearcedale player Damien Scully made an eye-catching Pines debut, slotting a goal and contributing strongly throughout. Guy Hendry was best-on-ground, supported by Luke Potts, Scully, Jono Hughes, Nick Boswell and Beau Hendry.

The win lifted Pines to top spot.

Frankston YCW’s Ryley Hodson. Picture: Chris Eastman

Frankston YCW climbed back into the five after a vital 16-point win over the Frankston Bombers at Coburn Oval, 8.9 (57) to 6.5 (41).

Kyle Hutchison returned to the Stonecats side and Ryley Hodson capped a best-on-ground display with two goals.

Daniel Hughes, Byron Barry, Jacob Cheverly, Lachlan Wallace and second-gamer Henry Berenger (son of YC champ Mark) were also influential for the Stonecats.

Edi-Asp improved its record to 4-9 and landed a blow to Rosebud’s finals hopes with a gritty 18-point win, 6.5 (41) to 3.5 (23).

Former VFL left-footer Brett Dore was best afield for the Eagles, while skipper Steve Mannix led by example and Nick Carlon, Todd Woodbridge and Charlie Martello also starred.

Rosebud kicked two goals in the last term to mount a late charge but the loss saw it drop out of the five.