Rosebud holds off surging Somerville in Nepean league qualifying final

DEFENDING champions Rosebud launched its finals campaign with a gripping seven-point win.

C’mon: Rosebud’s Daniel Wilson celebrates a goal as rain falls in the second quarter against Somerville. Picture: Jason Sammon.

DEFENDING champions Rosebud launched its finals campaign with a gripping seven-point win over a fast-finishing Somerville in the Nepean league qualifying final at Red Hill on Saturday.

The Buds saw their five-goal lead cut to a point in the last quarter before lion-hearted ruckman Ben Dwyer pushed forward and booted a goal with a few minutes left to secure a 65-58 win.

It was Rosebud’s eighth win in a row and puts it into the second semi-final against minor premier Frankston.

“We were under siege in the last quarter and we withstood it — only just, mind you,’’ Rosebud coach Michael Kraska said. “We found a way and we won. We are where we want to be now.’’

Dwyer was outstanding in the ruck and his clutch goal capped a best-on-ground display. Ryan Spooner, Dale Stephens and Rhys Bancroft also starred. Rosebud’s Brenton Davidge was taken to hospital for X-rays after a heavy collision, but was cleared of any serious injury.

Kraska said his side’s biggest challenge was playing the full 120 minutes. “If we do that I think we are going to be hard to beat over the next few weeks,’’ he said.

For Somerville, Scott Simpson, Luke Collie and Ben Crowe fuelled the last quarter revival.

Eagles coach David Hirst, who kicked two goals, said: “We just didn’t take our chances early. But some positive signs came out of it. We all pulled up well and we get (Kane) McKenzie back next week.’’ Somerville will go into the do-or-die first semi-final this Sunday.

Somerville’s Adrian Speedy fires off a handball in front of Rosebud’s Rhys Bancroft. Picture: Jason Sammon.

On Sunday, Hastings ended Red Hill’s season with a 20-point win in the elimination final at Rosebud.

The Blues won 10.12 (72) to 7.10 (52) to progress to the first semi-final against Somerville.

This weekend:

Saturday: 2nd semi-final, at Rye: Frankston Bombers v Rosebud.

Sunday: 1st semi-final, at Devon Meadows: Somerville v Hastings.

Good grab: Rosebud’s Daniel Wilson marks against Somerville.

EDI-ASP, a week after the last rites were delivered to its season, has sensationally risen from the dead to snatch a finals berth in Peninsula league.

“It was unbelievable, incredible,’’ Edi-Asp coach Graeme Yeats said after his side’s 67-67 draw with ladder leaders Frankston YCW in Saturday’s last round.

The dead-heat was enough to lift Edi-Asp back into fifth spot, edging out unlucky Seaford on percentage.

Going into Saturday, Edi-Asp had lost its past four games and few gave it any hope against the mighty Stonecats.

The Eagles made their winning move in the third term, outscoring YCW 3.4 to 0.1, to skip six points ahead.

“We were 13 points in front with five minutes to go kicking against a three-goal breeze,’’ Yeats said.

“We thought we’d done enough but they kept coming at us. We were lucky enough to hold on.’’

Eagles defender Mark Mullins, in only his second game back from a long injury lay-off, was outstanding.

Edi-Asp will face Bonbeach in this Sunday’s elimination final and Yeats said “it’s great experience for the kids to prepare for a final’’.

“We are really privileged to be in the position we are and we’re going to try and make the most of it.’’

Rampaging Somerville big man Scott Simpson evades a tackle from Rosebud’s Glenn Petersen.

Bonbeach held off a surging Langwarrin to win by a point, 7.9 (51) to 7.8 (50), with Jackson Casey best-on-ground.

Bonny coach Steve Hughes said his side will be at full strength for the do-or-die clash with Edi-Asp.

“It’s pretty exciting,’’ he said. “I think our group’s done a good job. The start (of the season) we had wasn’t ideal. It’s hard to make up ground in a tight competition. We won 11 of our last 14 games. I’m pretty sure since round five we’ve had the second most wins in the comp. So we go in with a bit of belief. Everyone is enthusiastic. Can’t wait to get into it.’’

Mornington thrashed Karingal, 20.13 (133) to 10.14 (74) to narrowly miss finals. Jackson Calder, Stuart Seager and Dale Whelan kicked four goals apiece.

Daniel Gormley slotted four goals to help Mt Eliza beat Seaford by 46 points.

Pines dispatched Chelsea by 46 points, with Michael Bezzene booting four goals.

Next weekend:

Saturday: Qualifying final, at Frankston Park: Mt Eliza v Pines.

Sunday: Elimination final, at Frankston Park: Bonbeach v Edi-Asp.