Potts pans taggers as Pines advances with come-from-behind 16-point win over Mt Eliza
PINES has only Frankston YCW above it on the Peninsula league ladder after dispatching fellow finals aspirant Mt Eliza.
Mornington
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PINES stamped its claim as the main challenger to Frankston YCW after scoring a telling 16-point win over Mt Eliza at Emil Madsen Reserve on Saturday.
The Pythons trailed by 19 points at the long interval but rejigged its side and kicked nine goals to four in the second half to win 12.13 (85) to 10.9 (69).
In banking its fifth successive win, Pines took second spot off Mt Eliza.
It was a special win for Pines, coming in Adam Marriner’s 300th senior game.
“We were able to wear them down in the end,’’ Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.
Early on, Mt Eliza’s pace on the outside appeared to worry Pines. Rohan Heasley and Daniel Gormley were busy and classy young forward Jimmy Freeman looked dangerous.
Swayn said the move of Beau Hendry on to Freeman, and Tim Bongetti’s switch to the ruck, helped turn the game, along with midfielder Luke Potts’ dominance.
“Even though it looked like it was a counter attack type move it ended up working out in our favour that Bongo destroyed them in the ruck,’’ Swayn said.
Swayn said Potts, the former Dolphin, was making his mark. “He was a stand-out. He is really starting to learn now how to shake a tag. He was really good yesterday,’’ he said. Patrick Jackson and Damian Plane were also key figures after halftime.
For Mt Eliza, spearhead Justin Van Unen booted four goals, and Karl Lombardozzi, James Anwyl and Jay Neratzoglou did well.
At Alexandra Park, Mornington drilled 21 goals to beat Chelsea by 82 points and snap a four-game losing streak.
Michael Williams, back at the kennel, booted five goals and Jackson Calder six as the Bulldogs cleared out to win 21.11 (137) to 8.7 (55). Mornington started with a nine-goal opening quarter as Warwick Miller, Chris Baker, Barry Smeeton and Ash Williams ran riot.
Langwarrin banked its third win for the season, edging Karingal by three points.
Nick Tuddenham capped a best-on-ground display with three goals, while Nick Hammill, Matt Naughton and Luke Churcher also starred for the Kangaroos. Champ Michael Burke was Karingal’s best player.
Frankston YCW was held to its lowest score of the season but still beat Seaford by 10 goals.
Thomas Capp played his best game for the Stonecats and Anthony Bruhn slotted five goals as the undefeated ladder leaders won 14.9 (93) to 3.15 (33).
Tigers player wore orange laces as part of the Step.Back.Think campaign.
In Nepean league, Sorrento forwards Nick Corp and Scott Lockwood kicked nine goals between them as the Sorras knocked off the ladder-leading Frankston Bombers by 44 points at David McFarlane Reserve.
Corp, the former VAFA star, bagged five goals to move to 36 for the season, while Lockwood, back from injury, slotted four majors.
Sorrento back pocket Ryan Potter was named best-afield for his negating effort on Bombers recruit Luke James, who was held goalless in his first game since crossing from St Paul’s in the SFL.
For Frankston, Jason Kingsbury kicked three goals and Josh Francis did well.
Sorrento rushed to a 17-point quarter time lead and was never challenged, winning 15.11 (101) to 7.15 (57).
Sorrento unveiled a debutant, Australian junior boxing champion Jack Gipp, who capped a fine display with a 40m goal in the last quarter.
Sorrento’s win was soured, though, by a serious injury to 17-year-old Joey Boase, who suffered a broken leg. The game was halted for 20 minutes in the second term as an ambulance came on to the ground.
A blistering start set up Rosebud’s 45-point win over Somerville in the rematch of last season’s grand final.
The Buds burst into action, leading 7.4 to 0.2 at quarter-time.
“We got off to a flying start and controlled most of the day,’’ Rosebud coach Michael Kraska, who didn’t play because of a shoulder injury, said. “Our captain Greg Bentley was the catalyst in the middle.’’
Rosebud ruckman Ben Dwyer continued his splendid season to be named best-afield, while the Buds’ backline, led by Chris Dew, Sebastian Krumeich and Chris Zurek, did well.
It was Somerville’s second successive loss and the under-the-pump Eagles have slipped to seventh spot – and they face Sorrento next.
Rye drilled the last seven goals to record a 36-point win over Tyabb.
A boilover loomed when Tyabb, chasing its first win in over 1000 days, led by five points at the last change. The Yabbies got 12 points ahead when Brad Harbinson booted the opening goal of the last term.
But Rye clicked into gear, with Dean Millhouse slotting three of his six goals in the last 20 minutes. Rye won 19.12 (126) to 13.12 (90). Rye’s Nick Baron was outstanding in the win, while Nathan Henley kicked five goals and Ryan Mullett also starred.
Hastings regained top spot after an eye-catching 44-point win over Pearcedale. The Blues began in blazing fashion, kicking 8.1 in the opening quarter as Mark Devereaux, Josh Mulheron and Luke Hewitt stamped their authority. Hewitt finished with five goals, as did Dale Alanis, in the 18.11 (119) to 11.9 (75) win.
Red Hill improved its record to 7-3 after coming from behind to beat Devon Meadows by a goal, 7.16 (58) to 7.10 (52). And Dromana evened the ledger at 5-5 with a 16-point win over Crib Point. The Magpies were well served by Kain Stratton and Brad Arnold.
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