Kangaroos defy doubters with rousing 23-point win over Mornington in Peninsula league

LANGWARRIN’S second win of the season was one to savour; the Kangaroos stunning last season’s grand finalists Mornington.

Scott Macleod, of Frankston YCW, has his eyes on the ball against Edi-Asp. Picture: Hamish Blair

LANGWARRIN coach Brad Dredge says his players are enjoying proving the doubters wrong.

The Kangaroos, tipped by some not to win a game this season, were jubilant after beating last season’s grand finalists Mornington by 23 points at Alexandra Park on Saturday.

In a day to remember, all three Langy sides – seniors, reserves and under-19s – won.

“Really enjoyable for the boys, it was good to see some smiles on faces,’’ Dredge said after the 13.16 (94) to 10.11 (71) triumph.

“(We have) two wins on the board now after six games. People had told me that wasn’t going to happen.

“The spirit is great. At the moment the club is working towards an outcome and when you’ve got your under-19s sitting in the four and your reserves sitting second and the senior boys can finish off the day with three wins, it certainly puts a good vibe around the place.’’

With impressive young forward Kieran Albanese booting four goals and Nick Tuddenham, Blake Harkness and skipper Matt Naughton excelling, Langwarrin outscored Mornington seven goals to four in the second half.

The Frankston YCW juggernaut rolled on with the ladder leaders posting a comprehensive 58-point over mid-table Edi-Asp.

The Stonecats didn’t have it all their own way, with Edi-Asp providing stern opposition early in the match.

However, YCW slipped into another gear, booting 10 goals in the second half to record their 20th win in a row.

Frankston YCW captain Jie Coghlan got his side going against Edi-Asp on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Edi-Asp were pretty good actually, they had a real crack and punished us when we made some errors early in the game,’’ YCW coach Scott Mathers said.

“We’re going OK but certainly there’s plenty of room for improvement.’’

Mathers said YCW’s challenge was to not get complacent as they chase a premiership three-peat.

“It certainly presents its challenges, to keep them invested, I suppose, week to week, and not let them get too far ahead,’’ he said.

“I felt there was an element of that yesterday. Some of the guys had fast forwarded to the break. My job is to keep them all engaged as possible.

“I’d rather be in that position than having less talented blokes to coach obviously.’’

Star Frankston YCW defender Byron Barry looks for an option during Saturday’s game against Edi-Asp at John Coburn Oval. Picture: Hamish Blair

Mt Eliza spearhead Justin Van Unen kicked four goals as the Redlegs beat Seaford by 33 points.

A blistering seven-goal last quarter helped Pines turn a three-point deficit into a 37-point win over Karingal. Guy Hendry slotted five goals and Beau Hendry, Rhys Chalkley and Luke Potts sparkled.

Bonbeach made it two wins in a row, beating Chelsea by 37 points, with Justin Bennett, Jackson Sole and former Blue and Magpie Chris Bryan showing the way.