MPNFL: Somerville makes sizzling start to season in Division 2

A major injury blow sent a shockwave through MPNFL Division 2 as Somerville, Langwarrin, Chelsea and Pearcedale made impressive starts.

Rowan Hogenbirk suffered a recurrence of a knee injury that sidelined him last year.

Sport can be cruel sometimes.

Just ask Somerville star Rowan Hogenbirk, who on Saturday injured the same knee in which he tore the lateral meniscus 12 months ago.

The latest injury happened in the second quarter of Somey’s season opener against Hastings when he twisted and felt a rip in the knee.

“We’re all very gutted, shattered,’’ Somerville coach Brad Canavan said.

The injury to Hogenbirk was a rare lowlight in an otherwise sparkling 79-point win by Somerville at Jones Rd.

The Eagles exploded from the gates, drilling 8.4 to Hastings’ one behind in the opening quarter.

Best-on-ground Ryan “G-Man” Gillis slotted seven goals and set Somerville alight early.

“He led from the front, he was super twitchy pre game but that’s generally ‘G Man’,” Canavan said.

“When he’s up and about the rest of the boys are, too.”

Somerville first-gamer Lachie Sharp was super impressive, slotting three goals as a mobile forward while Daniel Marshall was also a handful for Hastings’ defenders, kicking four majors.

Luke Burton, Lachlan Williams, Jake Haskett, Travis Finn and Mitchell Delmo also impressed for the Eagles.

Hastings, although well beaten, stuck to its guns, with Jake Hewitt, Nic Xerri, Patrick Wilson and Sean Hewitt trying hard.

A Langwarrin debutant turned in a sizzling display to help the Kangaroos come from a point behind at half-time and defeat Seaford by 40 points, 12.16 (88) to 7.6 (48).

Teenager Ben Charles was named Langy’s best player after the Kangas kicked four unanswered goals in the final quarter to overrun the Tigers.

Mark Baguley slotted two goals, while Zach Andrewartha, Nick Tuddenham, Joel Bateman and Matt Peynenborg were also in the best.

Chelsea skipper Todd Gardiner was best-afield as the Seagulls edged Crib Point by 17 points, 9.15 (69) to 7.10 (52).

The win was the perfect start to coach David Willett’s coaching tenure at Chelsea and also a fitting result in Shaun Foster’s 200th MPNFL game.

Kieran Albanese, Ryland Cranwell, David Barton and Jesse Davies, who slotted two goals, were also in the Gulls’ best.

On Sunday, Pearcedale recruit Ryan Bastinac proved the difference as the Dales held off Devon Meadows by 22 points, 12.11 (83) to 8.13 (61) at Glover Reserve.

The former Brisbane and North Melbourne midfielder played with relentless energy, prompting one witness to label him “un-taggable’’.

Devon Meadows recruit Nick Battle ran hot early and ex-Saint Brandon White gave a solid four-quarter display, but Pearcedale’s forward line looked dangerous throughout the game as Cruiz West (3 goals) and Kaolan Thornton (2 goals) loomed large.

Next week: Langwarrin v Chelsea, Hastings v Crib Point, Devon Meadows v Karingal, Pearcedale v Tyabb, Seaford v Somerville, Mornington v Rye.