Tyabb surges to first win of the season — and now it’s out to dodge the wooden spoon

A BARNSTORMING finish has carried Tyabb to its first win of the season in Nepean league – and now the Yabbies are setting themselves to avoid the wooden spoon.

Riley West thumps Tyabb forward during its win over Devon Meadows. Chris Eastman

A BARNSTORMING finish has carried Tyabb to its first win of the season in Nepean league – and now the Yabbies are setting themselves to avoid the wooden spoon.

Tyabb kicked three goals in the last eight minutes to beat Devon Meadows by seven points, 10.6 (66) to 8.11 (59), at Glover Reserve on Saturday.

Ethan Rahilly slotted two of the goals and best-on-ground Riley West one as the Yabbies – after trailing by eight points at the last change - scored its first win since the final round of last season.

Tyabb coach Mark Paganoni said his young side had been building towards a win and, with four games left, was determined to climb off the bottom.

“To be perfectly honest we went in with a bit of form,’’ Paganoni said.

“The last month’s been really good, the kids have learnt to play together and we probably had our most settled side this week.

Tyabb coach Mark Paganoni. Picture: Chris Eastman

“We’ve set ourselves a goal to not finish on the bottom of the ladder and I think the players have come to believe we can do it. The Rosebud game last week was a turning point. We played really well for a 44-point loss.’’

The drought-breaking win was particularly special for two Yabbies players, Tyson Sparkes and Brad Harbinson, who hadn’t played in a Tyabb win in six years.

Tyabb’s youngsters led the way, most notably Brad Williams, Darcy Sawyer and Darcy Underwood, while experienced men Jake Anderson and Paul Ransom played key roles.

Tyabb’s Liam Rogan gets his handball away as he’s tackled by Devon Meadows’ Locky Burke.

Red Hill is eyeing a top-five spot after scoring a crucial 37-point win over Somerville. It sets up a season-defining clash between Red Hill and Dromana this weekend, with the winner almost certain to play finals. “We kept ourselves alive,’’ Red Hill coach Tony Blackford declared after the 13.12 (90) to 7.11 (53) win over Somerville. The Hillmen refused to yield as they kicked into the teeth of a strong breeze in the last quarter, outscoring Somey 5.3 to 3.2. “We kicked five goals by running the ball up into the breeze,’’ Blackford said. Chris Irving booted four goals as was in Red Hill’s bestong with Josh Mold, Matt Mitchell, Michael Mock, Matt Hyden and Marcus Dal Lago.

Tyabb’s Paul Ransom tries to shrug a tackle.

Undefeated Sorrento survived its biggest scare to hold off a fast-finishing Dromana by eight points, 11.9 (75) to 10.7 (67), at Dromana Reserve. After a scoreless opening quarter, Dromana was still 35 points behind at the last change before rattling home with five goals to Sorrento’s one in the last quarter. Sorrento held firm, though, led by Nick Marston, Danny Stephenson and Troy Schwarze. Dromana’s late bid was fuelled by Rory Gregg, Sam Geurts and Aydn Musgrave.

Pearcedale improved its record to 4-10 with an all-the-way 13.12 (90) to 8.9 (57) win over Crib Point. Damien Scully, Laughlin Cowell, Troy Jacobson and Mitch Jones gave stout service to the Dales, who set up the win with a 5.4 to 1.1 opening term.

Third-placed Frankston Bombers jumped above Hastings on the ladder after a gripping four-point win, 8.16 (64) to 8.12 (60), at Barclay Oval. The Bombers benefitted from a best-on-ground display from former Dolphin Corey Buchan, with help from Sam Fox, Ryan Marks-Logan and Dale Sutton. For Hastings, Shaun Foster (three goals), Matt Clifford and Steven Robb (two) led the late surge.

Second-placed Rosebud continued its march to the finals with a 17.15 (117) to 9.5 (59) win over Rye. Former AFL man Greg Bentley was best afield, ably supported by Jack Jarman, Daniel Wilson, Ryan Spooner and Seb Krumeich.