Reigning premier Hastings loses ruckman to broken hand while Sorrento marches on
HASTINGS’ quest for back-to-back flags suffered a blow on Saturday when it lost No 1 ruckman Josh Mulheron to a broken hand in its 28-point loss to Sorrento.
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HASTINGS’ quest for back-to-back flags suffered a blow on Saturday when it lost No 1 ruckman Josh Mulheron to a broken hand in its 28-point loss to Sorrento.
“Yeah, it’s a big loss for us,’’ Hastings coach Brendan Dunne said, adding that former Yarra Valley interleague ruckman James Marasco would now shoulder most of the Blues’ rucking duties.
Hastings got within a kick of Sorrento in the last quarter before the undefeated Sharks pounced on some Blues errors to kick away, winning 13.13 (91) to 9.9 (63).
The class and polish of Sorrento stars Daniel Grant and James Hallahan, who kicked two crucial goals from the midfield, proved pivotal. Leigh Poholke (four goals) and Marcus Gardner (two) also fired.
For Hastings, which has slipped to fourth spot with two rounds to go, Ricky Ferraro, Shaun Foster and Steven Robb, were in good form. Despite the loss, Dunne was upbeat about his side’s performance, rating it the Blues’ best of the season and declaring his side on track for another successful finals campaign.
Red Hill is clinging on to fifth spot – just – after a crucial one-point win over a fast-finishing Devon Meadows, 8.15 (63) to 8.14 (62).
Devon Meadows stormed home from 24 points down at the last change, drawing level, before Red Hill’s Chris Irving booted a goal and Blake McCormack a point to help the Hillmen scramble over the line.
“They came home with the wind and kicked goal after goal after goal,’’ Red Hill coach Tony Blackford said. “We were just lucky enough to hold on.’’
Jonathon Ross, Jonah Siversen, Irving and Michael Mock showed the way for Red Hill, while Lochlan Burke and Jesse Dehey were Devon’s best.
Red Hill remained in fifth spot, just one percentage point ahead of Dromana, which beat Somerville by 32 points, 15.11 (101) to 10.9 (69), to keep its finals hopes alive.
The Tigers outscored Somerville nine goals to four after halftime, with Shaun Clarke, Liam Waugh and Rory Gregg in cracking form. For Somey, Ben Sedgwick and Mitchell Delmo tried hard.
The Frankston Bombers had 10 individual goal kickers and a raft of contributors as they trounced Rye 19.16 (130) to 2.10 (22) at Greg Beck Oval. Sam Fox (three goals), Mitch Bosward, Cory Buchan and Jarryd Amalfi were among the best players as the Bombers climbed to third spot.
Patrick Heijden slotted five goals in Pearcedale’s 16.15 (111) to 8.6 (54) win over Tyabb. Ruckman Harry Prior dominated for the Dales, along with Luke Daniel and Bryce Dinger.
The Rosebud juggernaut continued, the Buds thrashing Crib Point 19.17 (131) to 3.3 (21) to make it seven wins in a row. Keegan Downie booted six goals to move to 40 for the season, while Dale Stephens, Fletcher Hustwaite, Sean Downie and Brenton Davidge ran rampant.
As Frankston YCW’s winning run continues in Peninsula league — and its date with destiny, a possible fourth successive flag, draws closer — coach Wayne Capp admits he has one eye on the finals.
The Stonecats’ grip on the competition tightened further on Saturday when they dispatched Bonbeach by 41 points in a top-of-the-ladder clash at Bonbeach Reserve.
“We treated it like a mini-final, and we got the result,’’ Capp said.
“I was really pleased with the way we performed. It was a great effort. A lot of our guys who were fighting for spots in the finals really stood up.’’
Star forward Anthony Bruhn returned from the VFL to play his first game for Frankston YCW in six weeks, kicking two goals, in the 10.10 (70) to 5.9 (39) win.
Kyle Hutchison was best-on-ground, while Christian Ongarello did a good job on Bonbeach forward Trent Dennis-Lane (three goals), Tony Lester was busy and Ash Eames had an absorbing duel with Sharks big man Dylan Jones.
Both sides, though, sustained injuries to key players; YCW’s Lachie Wallace hurt his shoulder, while Bonbeach’s defender Nick Waterstone did his knee.
Capp said Frankston YCW (14-2, first) would manage players as it nears finals.
“We can make sure everyone is cherry ripe come our first final,’’ he said.
Edi-Asp beat Langwarrin by 61 points to make it five wins in a row – not that coach Graeme Yeats was aware of his side’s winning streak.
“I don’t count, mate, (I) wouldn’t have a clue,’’ he said when asked how many the Eagles had won in a row.
“We’ve been really consistent…the footy we’re playing at the moment is at a really good standard. It’s very positive at the moment.’’
With Chris Wylie, Tim Mannix, Steve Mannix and Michael Bussey in mint form, Edi-Asp improved its record to 11-5 and climbed to third spot.
Sixth-placed Mt Eliza kept its finals hopes alive with a 12.10 (82) to 9.8 (62) win over Karingal at Madsen Reserve, Karl Lombardozzi, Dan Gormley and Nick Strickland showing the way.
Seaford consolidated fifth spot with a gripping six-point win over Pines, 7.11 (53) to 6.11 (47). Ben Howlett, Josh Stokes and Kyle Matthews were instrumental in the win for the Tigers, who refused to yield as Pines finished with the wind.
Warwick Miller slotted four goals in Mornington’s six-point win over Chelsea, 11.16 (82) to 10.16 (76), at Alexandra Park. Josh Brown also impressed for the Bulldogs.
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