Bonbeach eyeing a top-three spot after thrashing Mt Eliza by 72 points in Peninsula league
A SIZZLING display by Shane McDonald in his 200th game set up Bonbeach’s72-point win over Mt Eliza.
Mornington
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A SIZZLING display by Shane McDonald in his 200th game set up Bonbeach’s72-point win over Mt Eliza in Peninsula league.
The little champion booted four goals in the opening quarter to ignite the Sharks at Bonbeach Reserve.
“He just set us alight, really,’’ Bonbeach coach Steve Hughes said.
“There was probably a bit of emotion; we were talking about it before the game. He’s possibly the best player to set foot in our club – ever. So, I think the players felt a responsibility to play well. And Shane doesn’t mind the big moment, he’s pretty good on the big stage. He got us going and set the tone for us and everybody followed.’’
McDonald finished with five goals in a best-on-ground display, while Beau Bailey, Justin Bennett (three goals), Jackson Casey and Gary Carpenter also starred.
For Mt Eliza, which remains in second spot, Karl Lombardozzi was best.
Bonbeach, fourth, is looming as a chance to grab the double chance.
Pines’ grip on third spot is looking shaky after it lost again (the Pythons have lost three of their past four games) when it was outpointed by Frankston YCW, 125-69.
YC was impressive as Anthony Bruhn booted five goals, and Ryan Santon and Michael Debenham three apiece. Pines’ best was Luke Potts.
A finals berth is within reach for Seaford after the Tigers thrashed Karingal by 72 points to climb to fifth spot.
Seaford dominated from the start, with Matt Herbert, Mitch Finn, Brayden Irving (three goals) and Sandringham-listed Johnathan Haidon starring.
Edi-Asp slipped to sixth spot after suffering its third straight loss. The Eagles were overrun by Mornington, which kicked six goals in the second term to set up its 14.8 (92) to 7.16 (58) win at Alexandra Park. Dale Whelan slotted five goals and Ryan Odell was brilliant for the Doggies.
A sparkling display by the Bateman brothers, Joel and Josh, and Kieran Albanese (seven goals) set up Langwarrin’s slick 49-point win over Chelsea.
In Nepean league, Somerville coach David Hirst says the task of ending the club’s 30-year premiership drought will spur his side on in the finals.
Hirst and the entire Eagles side wasn’t born when Somerville hoisted its last flag in 1986.
“It’s exciting,’’ Hirst said.
“We don’t see it as added pressure. We’re going to have a good crack at it.’’
Somerville made it to the grand final last season and is again on track for the flag decider.
The third-placed Eagles made it five wins in a row when they beat finals-bound Red Hill by 17 points in a high-standard game with a hint of finals atmosphere on Saturday.
Former Stingray Billy Rolfe was outstanding for Somerville, slotting four goals and gathering 30 touches in a best-on-ground display to set up the 12.14 (86) to 10.9 (69) win.
Justin Allsopp ignited the home crowd with successive goals while Scott Simpson, Josh Westerman and former North Melbourne-listed Tim McGenniss impressed. For Red Hill, Jonah Siversen, Ben Poole and Tom McKinley tried hard.
Somerville faces 11th-placed Crib Point in this weekend’s last round and Hirst said “there’s no way we’ll be resting players’’.
Frankston Bombers forward Zach Longham booted five goals to help his side to a 17.16 (118) to 11.12 (78) win over Pearcedale. James Degenhardt, Jarryd Amalfi, Jason Kingsbury and Sam Fox also starred as the Bombers made it five wins on the spin to remain on top of the ladder.
Second-placed Rosebud helped itself to 40 scoring shots as it dispatched Dromana by 70 points in the inaugural battle for the Matthews Shield.
The in-form Buds were ruthless as Dale Stephens, Greg Bentley and Ben Schultz kicked three goals apiece.
Devon Meadows improved its record to 7-8 with a 38-point win over Tyabb.
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