Rosebud on a five-game winning streak as it gears up for another tilt at the title
ROSEBUD will be “bloody hard to stop’’ as it chases back-to-back flags, according to the man who guided them to last season’s title.
Mornington
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ROSEBUD will be “bloody hard to stop’’ as it chases back-to-back flags, according to the man who guided them to last season’s title.
Nick Jewell, now coaching Sorrento, got a close up look at the Buds on Saturday – and was super impressed.
“They are a bloody good side, they will give it a real shake,’’ he said after the Buds beat his Sorras by 34 points at Olympic Reserve.
“Their good players are playing really good football – (Ben) Dwyer, (Greg) Bentley, (Sean) Downie and (Rhys) Bancroft.
“They are big and strong, run hard and are physical. They are obviously very confident because they are reigning premiers. They will be bloody hard to stop.’’
An eight-goal third quarter set up Rosebud’s 13.15 (93) to 8.11 (59) win. It was the Buds’ fifth win in a row, putting them on the verge of securing the double chance.
Rosebud’s youngsters were outstanding, led by Robbie Bos, Sean Downie and Tom Stoffels, while Jack Jarman, Dwyer and Brenton Davidge also starred.
Rosebud coach Michael Kraska pointed out that his side was almost entirely home grown talent.
“We are playing with 22 points at the moment, it’s a great thing to have so many local guys that have come through the juniors and are playing senior footy,’’ he said.
“To be a long-term successful club you’ve got to have guys who are prepared to stick around, and we are lucky enough to have that.’’
For Sorrento, the loss ended its finals hopes but it was a day of celebration for the Sharks, with their champion Brent Kenyon becoming the club’s games record holder. In his 263rd senior appearance, “Stix’’ was one of Sorrento’s best. “The one thing with ‘Stix’, you always get effort,’’ Jewell said. “You get 110 percent effort every time he goes out there. Some of our old blokes and our young blokes can learn a lot from him, how he goes about his footy.’’
Red Hill secured a finals berth with a come-from-behind 32-point win over Rye. The Hillmen trailed 35-8 at quarter-time but a sizzling nine-goal second term put them in control. Tommy McKinley and Marcus Dal Lago kicked three goals apiece from the midfield, while Jonah Siversen, Dan McNamara and Jake Mold impressed. “Our run and our spread was quite good,’’ Red Hill coach Tony Blackford said.
Somerville scored its fourth successive win when it held off Hastings by nine points in a gripping encounter at Jones Rd.
Eagles spearhead Luke Rowe fired off six goals to prove the difference, while Todd Farrelly, Rowan Hogenbirk, Luke Burton, Justin Farrelly and Justin Allsopp also played starring roles in the 13.11 (89) to 11.14 (80) win.
The ladder-leading Frankston Bombers improved their record to 11-3 with an all-the-way 52-point win over Dromana. On the comeback trail, Brian O’Carroll continued his impressive form, while Dale Sutton, Josh Francis, Brad Whittley (three goals) and Ryan Marks-Logan did well. For Dromana, Jay Hutchinson and Daniel Marchesani were best.
Crib Point snapped a nine-game losing streak when it beat cellar dwellers Tyabb by 46 points. Kyle Arnott, Kain Stratton and David Cook led the way for the Magpies.
Alex Doria booted six goals to help Devon Meadows to a rousing 13-point win over Pearcedale in the battle of the Panthers. For the Dales, Ben Mitchell and Alex Harnett kicked three goals apiece.
Injuries continue to hinder the leading sides in Peninsula league.
Third-placed Pines is the latest to lose a key player, with big forward Tim Bongetti suffering a serious ankle injury during the Pythons’ upset 17-point loss to Mornington at Eric Bell Reserve.
It’s unclear if Bongetti will recover in time for finals.
Mornington ruckman Mick Gay was magnificent as the Bulldogs held on to win 10.17 (77) to 8.12 (60).
Pines coach Paddy Swayn was critical of the umpiring. “Two competitive teams and you get a 21-5 free kick count, and 11-1 at half time,’’ he said. “I don’t know how that works.’’
It was a stellar day for Mornington, with all three sides winning, including its reserves who broke their duck egg under coach Jeff Norman. In the seniors, Gay, Ryan Odell, Lachlan Hewitt, Jai Haddock and Josh Halsall were best.
Seaford coach Ben Murphy described his side’s gripping two-point win over Edi-Asp as “unbelievable’’.
Kicking into the wind in the last quarter, the Tigers appeared set to be overrun but rallied to win 12.3 (85) to 12.11 (83).
The victory keeps Seaford’s finals hopes alive - it is only half a game behind fifth-placed Edi-Asp.
Edi-Asp was storming home and got 10 points up midway through the last term.
“Everyone at the ground thought the game was over,’’ Murphy said. “It was just an amazing win. to be honest. We kicked the next three goals…
“It caught me by surprise. The boys dug deep, showed a lot of character. An incredible win, I can’t remember a better win.’’
Murphy praised the efforts of Matt Herbert, Curtis Murfett and Jackson Mockett – all under 20 – for inspiring the Tigers.
Exciting young Mt Eliza forward Jordan Capkin slotted eight goals in the Redlegs’ 78-point win over Langwarrin. James Anwyl, Ben Landry, Matt Davis and Rohan Heasley also starred.
Frankston YCW kicked 15 goals on its way to a 63-point win over Karingal. Paul Minchington was best on ground, while Anthony Bruhn and Kyle Hutchison booted three goals apiece.
Bonbeach continued its march to the finals with a 90-point win over Chelsea; Jackson Casey, Beau Bailey and Justin Bennett in sparkling form.
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