MPNFL 2019: Former Richmond player Jake Batchelor leads Frankston Bombers to victory

Former Richmond player Jake Batchelor made a comeback with the Frankston Bombers on Saturday — and it couldn’t have gone better.

Shane McDonald continued his good form for Bonbeach as the Sharks defeated Mt Eliza by 13 points on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Former Richmond player Jake Batchelor made a comeback with the Frankston Bombers on Saturday — and it couldn’t have gone better.

Batchelor booted three goals to help the Bombers to a stirring six-point win over ladder leader Sorrento at Greg Beck Oval.

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Cheered on by the Frankston Bombers’ 2009 premiership side, which had gathered for a 10-year reunion, Beau Muston’s side dug deep to snap a four-game losing streak.

Batchelor, looking fit and moving well, played in a variety of positions — wing, back and forward — and impacted the game in each role.

Jake Batchelor heading to his position for the Frankston Bombers in the fourth quarter on Saturday.

He kicked two goals in the pivotal third quarter as the Bombers surged 18 points ahead and one in the last as the home side desperately clung on to win 10.12 (72) to 10.5 (66).

Ironically, Batchelor’s last game for the Frankston Bombers was the ’09 grand final, when he was 17 and among the best players in the flag triumph over Sorrento.

Muston was relieved to get a win after a lean month — and especially in front of a big gathering of past players.

“We definitely felt the crowd get behind us in the third and fourth quarters, which really helped get us over the line in the end,’’ he said.

“They (Sorrento) are a quality side, they kept coming. To win this one was really important for our season.’’

Bailey Breen gets a kick away for Mt Eliza as Bonbeach captain Jackson Casey applies pressure. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Muston lauded Batchelor’s contribution.

“Jake was super, just so level headed and calm,’’ he said.

“His presence was definitely felt throughout our entire playing group. Obviously he’s a coach at Saints now. It was like having that extra coach on the ground, with the ability to compose the playing group at certain times of the game. It was probably the difference, really.’’

Frankston’s best player was ruckman Harry Prior, who had a terrific battle with Sorrento’s Luke Lowden. Muston said Prior was “one of the best ruckmen in the comp’’.

Muston said Batchelor, who has a coaching role at St Kilda, plans to play four or five games this season — and will be available for finals, should the Bombers be in them.

Bonbeach’s Nick Waterstone attempts a mark.

Jonathan Ristrom boots Mt Eliza forward. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Bonbeach co-coach Steve Hughes described his side’s 9.6 (60) to 6.11 (47) victory over Mt Eliza as an “eight-point game’’.

Inspired by Jackson Casey and Shane McDonald, the Sharks set up victory by outscoring Mt Eliza 1.3 to 0.2 into a stiff breeze in the first quarter.

“It was a super important game for us,’’ Hughes said.

“Most coaches aren’t ladder watchers but we highlighted that yesterday where we sat in relation to them because we feel like we will no doubt be fighting against a side like that for a finals spot.

“They are a very good, I rate them. So it was an opportunity to put an eight point gap on them or be sitting level with them. We were really pleased we got the win.’’

Bonbeach forward Jo Fisscher also impressed, slotting two goals, and young Lachlan Stenning provided dash and dare around the packs.

Todd Cracknell on the move for Bonbeach. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mt Eliza forward Shawn Watson reaches for the ball as Bonbeach’s Matthew Douglas tries to spoil. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sharks player Luke Verma suffered a shoulder injury.

Mt Eliza’s best were Ethan Park, Fin Bayne (three goals), Brenton Lambert and Kyle Docherty.

Pines, the only unbeaten side in the competition, climbed to top spot after holding off Frankston YCW 8.13 (61) to 6.10 (46) at Eric Bell Reserve.

Guy Hendry capped a best-on-ground display with three goals, while Luke Potts, Khyal Jacobson, Russ Gabriel, Nick Wilcox and Nick Boswell continued their fine form.

For the 3-3 YCW, Matt La Fontaine, Byron Barry and Riley Hodson were best.

An in-form Dromana climbed to fourth after beating Edi-Asp by 37 points at Regents Park.

Sam Fowler (three goals), Terry Wheeler, Sam Guerts and Matt Gahan were instrumental in the 14.15 (99) to 8.14 (62) win that improved the Tigers’ record to 4-2.

Edi-Asp have lost five in a row and tumbled to second last on the ladder.

Rosebud has squared its ledger at 3-3 after leading throughout to beat Mornington 13.11 (89) to 7.8 (50).

Dan Wilson was best-on-ground for the second game in a row, while Jai Hardwick, Jari Kennedy and Tom Stoffels continued their sparkling form. Matt Baker and Keegan Downie provided reliable targets up forward, kicking three goals apiece.