MPNFL 2019: Somerville defeat Pearcedale to continue strong start to season

Somerville coach Brad Canavan has praised his younger players for driving the club’s excellent 3-2 start to the MPNFL Division 2 season.

Karingal champion Michael Burke coaxes the ball his way against Langwarrin on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Somerville coach Brad Canavan has praised his younger players for driving the club’s excellent 3-2 start to the MPNFL Division 2 season.

The Eagles beat Pearcedale 14.12 (96) to 6.5 (41) on Saturday to climb to fourth spot and they are already halfway to matching the six wins they had last season.

SOMERVILLE APPOINTS EXPERIENCED COACH BRAD CANAVAN

RED HILL CONTINUES SIZZLING FORM

“Everyone had written us off in the pre-season I guess,’’ Canavan said.

“We’ve had really good buy-in. I think we had eight 21 and unders in the side yesterday, so we’ve been able to inject the youth and give them good education and they’re rolling with it.’’

Karingal captain Andy Mathers fires off a handball against Langwarrin on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Somerville played top-notch football as it hurried to a 29-point lead in the first quarter, with Luke Burton, Lachie Haskett, Nick Mason and Rowan Hogenbirk running rampant.

“We were really good in the first quarter, we moved the ball as good as any team I’ve coached has moved the ball I reckon,’’ Canavan said.

Corey Battams racks up another possession for Karingal on Saturday. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Karingal recruit Matthew Robinson celebrates after slotting a goal. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Colourful Somey forward Ryan Gillis fired off four goals and entertained the Pearcedale crowd. “He’s a dead-set character but he’s got a heart of gold,’’ Canavan said of Gillis.

“What impresses me most about him is his second and third and fourth efforts, he’s just ballistic. He’s just a talent, mate.’’

Karingal was without star forward Marc Holt but still beat Langwarrin to remain undefeated.

The Bulls won by 11 points after charging to a 6.5 to nil lead in the first quarter.

For Langy, who made a late bid for victory, Jett Murphy slotted four goals and Shane Paterson did well.

Shane Paterson and Luke Van Raay battle it out. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Seaford scored a 99-point win over Crib Point, with Aaron Walton booting five goals and Ben Howlett turning in a sparkling display. Joel Filippone, Nick Braund, Matt Terech and Andrew Teakel also starred as Seaford piled on 18.21 (129) to 4.6 (30).

Tyabb broke through for its first win, leading all the way to beat Devon Meadows 13.11 (89) to 7.10 (52).

Red Hill kicked another big score as it thrashed Rye 20.9 (129) to 5.9 (39). Jonathon Ross fired off six goals and Daniel McNamara dominated for the Hillmen, who have won their past four games by an average margin of 130 points.

Brendan Fevola booted the opening goal of the game but didn’t score another as his Hastings lost to Chelsea eight points, 10.7 (67) to 8.11 (59). Fevola finished with 1.4. It was Chelsea’s Ryan Hensel, Brad Clark and Lexian Xiberras who set up victory.