Frankston YCW fights back from five-goal deficit to beat Mornington in fiery start to Peninsula season

A FIERY all-in confrontation seemed to spark reigning champions Frankston YCW into action against Mornington in the Peninsula league season-opener on Saturday.

Byron Barry was in the best players as Frankston YCW fought back to beat Mornington by 22 points in the Peninsula league season-opener on Saturday.

A FIERY all-in confrontation at the end of the first quarter time seemed to spark reigning champions Frankston YCW into action against Mornington in the Peninsula league season-opener on Saturday.

At the time, Mornington had the Stonecats swaying on the ropes — the Bulldogs had just drilled six unanswered goals to open up a 29-point lead at Alexandra Park.

“We really didn’t have any answers for them,’’ new YCW coach Wayne Capp said.

But a heated clash that spilled into the quarter-time break changed the momentum, and YCW came out in the second term and fired off nine goals to wrest control of the game.

Frankston YCW went on to win 14.13 (97) to 11.9 (75).

Capp said the scuffle “helped us out’’.

“That kicked our boys into gear a little bit,’’ he said.

“I could tell at the huddle they were ready to go out there again and get the game going. I think that helped us out. It wasn’t ugly or anything, it was just a bit of pushing and shoving.’’

Star forward Anthony Bruhn, who is on Footscray’s VFL list, kicked three goals, combining well with teenager Josh Butland (4 goals). YCW was given great drive from defence by Lachie Wallace, Kevin Lylak and Byron Barry. For Mornington, Emilio Bitters was best and Jackson Calder slotted four goals.

The game between Bonbeach and Pines was called off at the 12-minute mark of the last quarter after a dangerous electrical storm hit Shark Park. Pines, 17 points up at the time, banked the win.

Pines player Tim Bongetti keeps a close eye on the Sherrin. Picture: Gary Bradshaw

“We were kicking with a gale force breeze. We probably would have won by five or six, I reckon,’’ Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.

Pines forward Tim Bongetti, with four goals, was best-on-ground, while Guy Hendry, Reece Stewart, Luke Potts and Ben Thomas, who blanketed Bonbeach’s star recruit Trent Dennis-Lane, also played starring roles for the Pythons. Majok Puok became Pines’ first Sudanese player and marked the occasion by kicking a goal with his first kick. He’s come through the club’s Under 19s.

A dust storm, as well as heavy rain, hit Madsen Reserve where Mt Eliza held on to beat Seaford by 22 points, 10.14 (74) to 7.10 (52).

A dust storm hits Mt Eliza.

The Redlegs were inspired by recruits Shane Tennant and Grant Goodall, as well as star rover Rohan Heasley. Jordan Capkin and Justin Van Unen kicked two goals apiece. For Seaford, Tom Shaw, Curtis Murfett and Kevin Nunn did well.

Edi-Asp was 52 points ahead of Chelsea when the storm hit. The Eagles had winners in Liam Harris, Dermot Cleary, Brendadn Neville and Steve Mannix while Mick Meehan (4 goals) and Will Flavelle (3) were lively near goals.

Karingal gave new coach Andrew Sharp a winning start when it held off Langwarrin by 11 points, 8.8 (56) to 5.15 (45) at Lloyd Park. The Bulls were well led by Michael Burke, Jacob Duscher, Damien Ashcroft and Jake Kelly.