MPNFL: Hastings scores vital win over Tyabb to put its finals quest on track

HASTINGS coach Ricky Ferraro says his side must approach every game like it’s “do or die’’ as it chases a finals berth in MPNFL Division 2.

Chelsea’s Josh Tripcony takes possession of the ball against Rye on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

HASTINGS coach Ricky Ferraro says his side must approach every game like it’s “do or die’’ as it chases a finals berth in MPNFL Division 2.

The Blues returned to form with a crucial 16-point win over Tyabb on Saturday, steadying themselves in fifth spot with five games to go.

“Obviously we’ve got to keep winning,’’ Ferraro said.

“We are now two games ahead of Rye and six points ahead of Langwarrin. Both those sides losing (on Saturday) gave us a bit of a buffer. But we know if we don’t come to play then every game is a challenge for us. So, it’s do or die every game for us and our season is on the line…and that’s our mentality every week.’’

Hastings sprinted to a 5.4 to 0.1 lead at quarter time to set up the 10.7 (67) to 8.3 (51) result at Barclay Oval. Shaun Foster shone brightly in the gloom, slotting four goals and handling the wet footy cleanly.

Colin McVeigh, Matt Clifford, Jake Hewitt, Matt Foy and Terry Green were other Blues to excel, while Joel Standfield sat out the last quarter with concussion.

“To be honest after the game when I was looking around the room you could throw a blanket over the whole team, everyone played their role which is pleasing,’’ Ferraro said.

A marking contest in the Chelsea and Rye game. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Red Hill continued its quest for a top-three spot with a tough 38-point win over Langwarrin, 7.13 (55) to 2.5 (17).

“We cracked in hard,’’ Hillmen coach Jamie Mollo said. “It was a gutsy win.’’

Mollo praised the in-and-under work of Marcus Dal Lago and Jake Mold.

“We wanted to get first hands on the footy and win that contested ball count because of the conditions,’’ he said.

“They were really good around the footy and up forward Hughesy (Ben Hughes) and Chris Irving gave us a real contest and locked it in our forward half.’’

Hughes booted three goals and Irving two, while defender Lachlan Chandler kept Langy forward Jesse Murphy to one goal.

“We are confident we can get that top three spot if things go our way and we play well,’’ Mollo said. “I just think we’ve got a real opportunity.’’

Chelsea’s Josh Herdman spoils his Rye opponent.

Chelsea coach James Brain. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Chelsea hit the ground running and never gave Rye a sniff as it won 13.9 (87) to 4.6 (30) at Beardsworth Ave.

“It was a great response from last week, we were really poor last week,’’ Chelsea coach James Brain, who slotted four goals, said.

“I can’t praise the boys enough, it was a really good effort. I think we set the game up in the first quarter, it was probably all over at quarter-time to be honest.’’

Against the wind in the first term, Chelsea rushed to a 4.4 to 1.0 lead. “We played probably our best quarter of the year,’’ Brain said.

Todd Gardiner was in sizzling form, while Curtis Bywater (four goals) played a crucial, unselfish role and Reid Crowe and Josh Herdman were impressive.

Chelsea midfielder Reid Crowe boots the Seagulls forward.

Dromana led throughout to beat Devon Meadows 8.15 (63) to 5.8 (38), with Billy Quigley, Beau McMurray, Sam Geurts and Rikki Johnston (four goals) showing the way.

Steve McInnes was outstanding as Karingal banked its 10th win of the season, beating Pearcedale 8.12 (60) to 6.5 (41). Luke VanRaay also impressed, along with Lachlan Linder-Saunders and Andy Mathers. For Pearcedale, quality youngster Zane Hill did well, as did Gordon Waterfall, aptly in the conditions.

Adrian Speedy capped a best-on-ground display with two goals to help Somerville to a 29-point win over Crib Point. Nick Mason, Connor Vincent, Ben Sedgwick and Aidan Peile also did well.