MPNFL: Langwarrin beats Somerville to book grand final berth

Langwarrin has booked its first grand final appearance in 16 years after a sizzling display in the MPNFL Division 2 second semi-final.

Langwarrin’s Josh Dormer kicks a goal in his side’s win over Somerville on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Langwarrin has booked its first grand final appearance in 16 years.

The Kangaroos slammed on six goals to one in the first quarter of Saturday’s second semi-final clash with Somerville in MPNFL Division 2 and were never headed.

Three goals apiece to Blake Peach and Gerard Brown and two each to Blake Pullen and Matt Peynenborg topped the list of 10 individual goal kickers as Langy triumphed 16.11 (107) to 13.8 (86) to secure their first grand final berth since they lost to Rye in the 2006 flag decider.

Langwarrin’s last premiership win was in 2005.

Langy’s Blake Peach takes a kick. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“To get to Frankston Park, that’s where everyone wants to play their finals footy so it’s brilliant to get the opportunity to play there as well,’’ Langy co-coach Josh Beard said.

“We’re just happy to the through relatively unscathed.’’

Grand final day on September 10 will be a sea of blue and white, with Langwarrin’s Under 19s and reserves also making it through to the big dance.

“Really proud of the boys, and not just our team,’’ Beard said.

“For all three sides to go through, the coaching group and committee...everyone was really proud of the boys that we were able to go through and prepare together.’’

Chad Mulvogue boots Langwarrin forward.

Zach Andrewartha.

Beard said Langwarrin’s fast start set up victory.

“We jumped out of the blocks, even the first half of the second quarter, I think we were up nine goals to one and, I mean, they out scored us from that point on but you get a start like that in a final and it’s hard work to peg it back,’’ he said.

Beard said Mitch Cuthbert down back was “brilliant’’, while Brown, who has come backinto the seniors this season after playing a couple of seasons in the reserves, played “probably his best game of the season’’.

Luke Churcher.

Lachlan Williams.

Luke Churcher on a wing was superb after a five-week lay-off.

Beard also praised Langy’s midfield of Peach, Zach Andrewartha, Josh Bateman and Pullen.

“They just ran the game out beautifully,’’ he said.

Somerville trailed by 31 points at half time and 32 points at three quarter time but stuck to its guns and actually outscored Langwarrin five goals to three in the last quarter, despite losing Dan Marshall and Luke Rowe to injury.

Eagles captain Lachlan Williams kicked three goals and Lachlan Sharp two.

Somerville will try to earn another crack at Langwarrin by winning next weekend’s preliminary final.