MPNFL 2019: Tom Panich kicks 9.3 to help Crib Point to first win in over a year
After more than a year without a win, Crib Point has sung its song after a rousing victory — and a young gun has emerged.
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A brilliant nine-goal haul by teenage full-forward Tom Panich helped Crib Point snap a 20-game losing streak in MPNFL Division 2 on Saturday.
Panich slotted 9.3 — including five goals in a sizzling second quarter — as the Magpies defeated Pearcedale by 51 points, 18.16 (124) to 11.7 (73), to celebrate their first victory since May 25, 2018.
“It was one of those days when the stars aligned a bit,’’ Crib Point coach Steve Hamill said.
“It’s been amazing, they’ve been such a positive club in regards to keeping their chin up and sticking to the game plan.
“Over the last few weeks, even though we’ve played some really good opposition, we’ve had elements when we’ve played some good footy. So I knew we were on the right track and yesterday it all came together.’’
With Panich on fire, Crib Point rushed to a 54-point lead by half-time.
Hamill said Panich was an exciting prospect with good goal sense. He also praised Crib’s backline of Jacob Cook, Tyler Wilton, Tim Cook and Rueben Jamieson.
“They’ve been battling pretty hard for the last eight weeks and yesterday again they did a good job,’’ he said.
Crib Point is rebuilding after some lean seasons and Hamill forecasts a bright future.
“We’ve just got to keep building momentum,’’ he said.
“It’s not all about winning and losing. In regards to all the other indicators we’ve been pretty happy with how we are tracking. But it is nice to get a win on the board.’’
Somerville coach Brad Canavan said his side used its “get out of jail-free card’’ after holding off a determined Devon Meadows by six points, 10.15 (75) to 9.15 (69).
Eagles star Rowan Hogenbirk kicked their first four goals from the midfield and was clearly best afield, while first-gamer Jesse Walker-Swain slotted the match-winning goal in a dream start to his career.
Nick Mason, Paul Fermanis, Justin Allsopp, Lachlan “Junior’’ Haskett and Kane McKenzie also fuelled Somey’s sixth win of the season.
“To Devon’s credit, they closed us down and sort of narrowed the ground on us,’’ Canavan said.
“And it was just a scrap all day, we couldn’t get anything going. We tried a few different forward structures.’’
Patty Harmes, Riley Thorpe and Stuart Cunningham were best for Devon Meadows. Undefeated Karingal made it a perfect 10-out of-10 with a resounding 57-point win over Hastings, 14.16 (100) to 6.7 (43).
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Marc Holt fired off five goals and Ryan Davey, Michael Burke and Dale Alanis starred for the Bulls.
Matthew Peynenborg slotted five goals as Langwarrin banked its fourth successive win, dispatching Rye by 74 points, 17.13 (115) to 6.5 (41). Blake Peach, Luke Churcher, Mitch Cuthbert, Liam O’Halloran and Josh Biggs were also influential for the Kangaroos, who booted 11 goals after half-time.
Chelsea stormed clear of Tyabb to post a 19.13 (127) to 8.13 (61) victory, with Jed Brain, Luke Shannon, Todd Gardiner and Andrew Silva named best.
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