MPNFL 2019: Sorrento hold off fast-finishing Rosebud in nail-biting finish

Sorrento spearhead Leigh Poholke kicked his 500th career goal in the Sharks’ nail-biting one-point win over Rosebud on Saturday.

Josh Brown celebrates a goal for Mornington against Pines on Saturday. Picture: David Crosling

Sorrento consolidated top spot in MPNFL Division 1 with a nail-biting one-point win over Rosebud on Saturday.

The Sharks took a 31-point lead into the last quarter but had to dig deep to hold off the fast-finishing Buds, who fired off six goals in the final 20 minutes.

Scores were level with minutes to go before Sorrento spearhead Leigh Poholke broke the deadlock with a behind.

Poholke was a shining light in the 11.19 (85) to 12.12 (84) victory, slotting five goals, including his 500th career goal.

Jackson Calder fires out a handball for Mornington. Picture: David Crosling

At Alexandra Park, reigning premier Pines overcame a slow start to power past bottom side Mornington and post a 51-point win.

The Pythons conceded the opening five goals of the game but clicked into gear with a nine-goal second quarter, storming clear to a 19.16 (130) to 11.13 (79) victory.

Port Melbourne-listed Perry Lewis-Smith was brilliant for Pines, capping a best-on-ground display with five goals, including one after the final siren.

Harley Parker on the move for Pines. Picture: David Crosling

Pines’ Daniel John assesses his options.

Tom McDermott breaks clear.

Khyal Jacobson put Pines in front in the second quarter after pouncing on a loose ball and kicking truly from 35m.

Luke Potts, Luke Dalmau, Brandon Lewis and Jacob Boyle also impressed for the 7-2 Pythons, who face Sorrento in a grand final rematch this week.

Mornington rushed to a 5.3 to 0.3 lead at quarter time, with James Turnbull running rampant, Josh Brown prominent up forward and Shane Hockey, who flew in from Western Australia to play, providing grunt in the middle.

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Mornington held a Fight MND fundraiser, with an array of players and officials taking their turn in the dunking tank. Mornington and Pines coaches Simon Goosey and Paddy Swayn took a dip into the icy cold water before the main game.

At SkyBus Stadium on Sunday, the Frankston Bombers made it two wins on the spin when they led throughout to beat Mt Eliza by 34 points, 12.11 (83) to 7.7 (49).

The game was a curtain raiser to the VFL game between Frankston Dolphins and Port Melbourne.

Alex Harnett (two goals), ruckman Harry Prior, midfielder Dale Sutton, defender Ryan Marks-Logan and Jarred Grant (three) were instrumental for the winners, while first-gamer Levi Mcloughlin-Dore slotted a goal.