MPNFL 2019: Seaford starts season with gripping one-point win over Somerville

“A Wayne Harmes sort of moment’’ helped Seaford snatch a gripping one-point win over Somerville in MPNFL Division 2 on Saturday.

Langwarrin players warm up before facing Chelsea on Saturday. Picture: Paul Churcher.

“A Wayne Harmes sort of moment’’ helped Seaford snatch a gripping one-point win over Somerville in MPNFL Division 2 on Saturday.

With scores level and 30 seconds left, Seaford recruit Andy Teakel dived full stretch to punch the ball from beside the boundary line into the goal square, where Aaron Walton snapped a point under pressure to put the Tigers in front.

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The 14.12 (96) to 14.11 (95) victory gave new Seaford coach Zac Vansittart a memorable debut win.

“It was a really good play,’’ he said of Teakel’s tap, which was reminiscent of Harmes’ famous moment in the 1979 grand final.

“It was a bit of a Wayne Harmes sort of moment. He has punched the ball from the boundary into the goal square where Aaron Walton managed to kick a point.’’

In a game of momentum swings, Seaford led by 31 points at halftime but Somerville roared back.

Former Wantirna South player Andrew Teakel has made an immediate impact with Seaford, having a hand in the Tigers’ first-up win.

Walton, as well as the match-winning point, booted three goals and was among Seaford’s best, along with ruckman Matt Terech, Matt Herbert, Curtis Barker and Matt Angeloni. Nick Braund, on a wing, started well.

For Somerville, Ryan Gillis and Paul Fermanis kicked three goals apiece and captain Ben Sedgwick tried hard.

Haydn Golby, youngster Mitchel Charles and former North Melbourne listed Tim McGenniss (three goals) fueled Langwarrin’s first-up win over Chelsea, 13.9 (87) to 8.12 (60). Matt Naughton, Billy Rolfe and Shane Paterson also played key roles for the Kangaroos. For Chelsea, Matt Ponton and Shaun Foster did well.

Karingal handed last season’s grand finalists Red Hill a first-up defeat. Marc Holt fired off seven goals for the Bulls, who led narrowly at each change to win 11.7 (73) to 9.10 (64). Matt Robinson, Andy McInnes and Luke Van Raay joined Holt in the Bulls’ best. while for Red Hill, Lachlan Chandler tried hard and Sean Marchetti and Jonathon Ross kicked two apiece.

Tim McGenniss takes a kick for Langwarrin. Pic: Paul Churcher.

Devon Meadows’ big guns fired in its win over Pearcedale 18.7 (115) to 10.10 (70). Michael Theodoridis booted six goals and Matt Fletcher five, while Troy Aust (two), Callum Armstrong and Leigh Craig were key contributors. Josh Stewart was concussed in the first few minutes. Pearcedale skipper Travis Bravo and Luke Adams did best for the Dales.

Rye pulled clear of Crib Point to record a 16.17 (113) to 10.11 (71) win. Tyrren Head and Josh Curren had it on a string for the Demons and coach Adam Kirkwood was a key factor going forward and kicking five goals. Josh Gana (four) and Nick Strickland (three) were also lively near the big sticks. Unfortunately for Crib Pont, recruit Sam Adams did his knee in the last two minutes. Youngsters Declan Gould and Matty Bennetts impressed for the Magpies.