Youthful Rye scores rousing win over Pearcedale to kick-start its Nepean league season

THE youngest player on the ground inspired Rye to its first win of the season in Nepean league on Saturday.

Hastings captain Paul Rogasch marks in front of Dromana’s Kyle Busuttil-Inglis on Saturday. Picture: Richard Serong

THE youngest player on the ground inspired Rye to its first win of the season on Saturday, a stirring 23-point victory over Pearcedale at Rowley Reserve.

Nick Rowson, 16, and still eligible for Under 17s, burrowed in without fear to be named best afield as the Demons won 14.11 (95) to 9.18 (72).

“He led the way with his attack on the ball,’’ Rye coach Josh Moore said.

“We spoke a lot before the game about winning contested footy and winning your own ball and for a 16-year-old to put his head over it was unbelievable. It was good to watch.’’

In a tight contest — scores were level at halftime — Rye’s forward line took their chances as Tim Churchin slotted four goals and Oscar Whitty and Matt Whelan three apiece.

Harry Whitty, Kyle Lynch, Kalani Ryan and Ben Trivett also played starring roles as Rye defused a Pearcedale surge with the wind in the last quarter.

Dromana’s Mitch Gill-Furness claims Blue Nathan Gray. Picture: Richard Serong

Rye could be called the Baby Demons, as they had 12 players under the age of 20 in the side. In a good sign for the future, Rye’s seniors, reserves and Under 19s all won on Saturday — the first time it’s happened in three-and-a-half years.

“This is the start of our journey,’’ Moore said.

“We’ve just got to stay positive and stick to our beliefs and there will be light at the end of the tunnel, I’ve got no doubt.’’

For Pearcedale, ex-Dolphins ruckman Harry Prior excelled and Daniel Marshall booted four goals.

Former Collingwood and Melbourne forward Chris Dawes booted three goals in his Sorrento debut as the Sharks walloped Crib Point 22.22 (154) to 2.6 (18).

Colin McVeigh from Hastings leaps high.

The 28-year-old snapped the first goal of the game and added another two majors from strong marks as he roamed the forward line.

“He got through, looked okay,’’ Sorrento coach Nick Jewell said. “He, (Nick) Corp and (Leigh) Poholke looked like they worked well together.’’

Corp, who also booted three, was named best-on-ground as undefeated Sorrento had winners all over, including Daniel Grant, Luke Tapscott, Aaron Paxton and Ben McCormack.

Rosebud, fuelled by Keegan Downie with seven goals, inflicted a first defeat of the season on Somerville.

Downie and Ryan Spooner drilled two goals each in the opening quarter as the Buds sprinted to a 52-6 lead by the first change. Jack Jarman, Jackson McRae and Ben Dwyer also dominated.

Nepean FL: Hastings v Dromana at Thomas Barclay Oval Hastings. Dale Alanis from Hastings Daniel Marchesani from Dromana Picture: Richard Serong

Reigning premiers Hastings thrashed Dromana by 101 points, 22.22 (154) to 8.5 (53), with Luke Hewitt firing off seven goals and ruck Josh Mulheron dominating. Recruit Ricky Ferraro also impressed for the Blues, booting three goals.

Devon Meadows’ forwards Allan Murray (nine goals) and Kyle Salerno (five) had a picnic as the Panthers dispatched Tyabb 21.9 (135) to 10.4 (64). For Tyabb, Jordan Alves kicked three and impressed.

CHELSEA snapped an 18-game losing streak with a stunning upset-win over Mt Eliza in Peninsula league on Saturday.

In a thrilling finish, the Seagulls held their nerve to prevail 10.10 (70) to 9.10 (64) — earning the right to sing their song for the first time since Round 3 last season.

“It’s a big win, yeah,’’ Chelsea coach Brett Dunne said. “Obviously it’s Mt Eliza, which is great, but coming off those (first) three weeks, we needed to do something about it and we did.

Chelsea coach Brett Dunne addresses his players.

“We needed to address those (first) three weeks. Are we that bad? None of us thought we were. We tried to play the game on our terms, not Mt Eliza’s. Fortunately it worked. And everyone stuck to what we were trying to do. No one broke the mould and did their own thing.’’

Chelsea’s win was even more meritorious given that Mt Eliza kicked the first four goals of the game. The Seagulls, though, refused to lie down.

Less than a kick separated the sides for most of the second half.

It was tight at the end; Mt Eliza kicked a point in the final minute and Chelsea’s Daly Shannon had the kick in. Coolly, he hit a target and the Seagulls held on.

For Mt Eliza, Ben Landry, David Barton and Shaun Knott (3 goals) tried hard.

Ed-Asp stormed home to beat Mornington 17.12 (114) to 14.13 (97) at Alexandra Park. Trailing by 30 points at the last change, the Eagles unleashed a 7.5 to 0.0 last quarter with the wind to snatch the points and kickstart their season.

Ruckman Chris Wylie was at the heart of the onslaught, while versatile Callan VanDyke, skipper Steve Mannix, playmaker Brendan Neville and young forwards Charlie Martello (four goals) and Billy Flavelle (four) also were pivotal.

For Mornington, recruit Pete McGettigan and Dale Whelan kicked five goals apiece, and Joel Miller was excellent.

Frankston YCW is the only undefeated side in the competition after inflicting a first defeat of the season on Pines, 9.15 (69) to 6.6 (42).

Seaford dismantled Karingal 17.21 (123) to 9.10 (64), with big left-footer Matt McCormack drilling seven goals.

Bonbeach moved to 3-1 with a 12.11 (83) to 8.8 (56) win over Langwarrin.

The Sharks trailed by 13 points at quarter time but hit their straps as Jackson Casey, Dylan Jones, Jackson Sole and Trent Dennis-Lane (three goals) made an impact.