Mornington climbs to top after beating Frankston YCW for first time in six years

MORNINGTON has growing belief, and top spot, after securing its first win at Frankston YCW since 2005 without four key players.

Bonbeach’s Matt Batten gets surrounded by Mt Eliza players. Photo: Martin Reddy.

MORNINGTON moved into top spot on the Peninsula league ladder after securing its first win over Frankston YCW since 2008 on Saturday.

Frankston YCW had won the past 10 meetings between the sides by an average margin of 89 points.

But it was the Bulldogs’ turn to bite back - and they did it on YC’s home turf, and without four key players (Anthony Franchina, Jackson Calder, Dale Nolen and Michael Bray).

Running rampant, Mornington collared the Stonecats by 13 points, 10.11 (71) to 8.10 (58), to announce themselves as a genuine contender this season.

Jai Haddock and Damien McDowell kept YC forwards Ricky Morris and Ben Tellis quiet, while Mick Gay, Adrian Speedy and Chris Paxino (who kicked the sealer) also were outstanding.

Mornington set up victory by surging to a 23-1 lead in the opening quarter.

“I can’t remember ever winning at YCW so to get the win there was massive for the club,’’ Mornington coach Stuart Seager said.

“During the week we spoke about how they are the benchmark, and going there we didn’t want to just put in a (good) effort and come away getting beaten by a few goals. We went there to win.

“It gives our young boys belief that they can match it with the best sides.’’

It was Mornington’s first win at Coburn Oval (Jubilee Park) since 2005. The Bulldogs (6-1) sit a game clear on top.

The Bulldogs are also on top in the reserves.

In a fiery contest at Madsen Reserve, Bonbeach handed Mt Eliza a 33-point loss.

There was plenty of verbal banter between Sharks skipper Shane McDonald and Redlegs forward David Willett as the sides walked off at half-time. McDonald had the last laugh, though, booting six goals in a best-on-ground display.

Bonbeach captain Shane McDonald has his marking attempt intercepted by Mt Eliza’s Karl Lombardozzi. Picture: Martin Reddy.

Former Dolphins player Matthew Clark made a stunning return from a two-year drug ban, gathering 15 touches in the first quarter to put Edi-Asp on the path to a 15-point win over Langwarrin.

Clark, looking fit and focused, wore a black armband in the memory of his late mum.

Langwarrin’s Matt Dimkos thrilled the home crowd by kicking five goals in the second quarter (he finished with six). But Edi-Asp rallied as Jordan Derbyshire, Darcy Warke and Brent Bowden (4 goals) starred.

Seaford finally cracked its duck egg with a rousing 20-point win at Pines. Brayden Irving returned from the Dolphins to have a major impact, along with Tom Shaw (6 goals), as the Tigers won 13.13 (91) to 10.11 (71).

Former Brisbane and St Kilda player Jayden Attard was best-on-ground in Chelsea’s 46 point win over Karingal.

In Nepean league, Rosebud coach Nick Jewell got his players behind closed doors at half-time and delivered an almighty spray on Saturday.

He had good reason, having watched a 20-point lead over Devon Meadows turn into a 30-point deficit at the long break.

“I think we thought at quarter time, being five goals up, it was going to take care of itself,’’ Jewell said.

Devon Meadows kicked eight unanswered goals in the second quarter to leave Rosebud stunned, and Jewell peeved.

But Jewell’s spray jolted the Buds into action and they fought back to hit the front with five minutes to go and hold on for a two-point win, 11.17 (83) to 12.9 (81).

“That was the most pleasing, that they responded to the spray,’’ Jewell said.

Former AFL player Greg Bentley was best on ground for Rosebud, while Jack Jarman, Ryan Spooner and youngster Glenn Peterson weren’t far behind. Ben Schultz booted four goals.

A first-gamer helped Pearcedale cause one of the boilovers of the season, a 26-point win over third-placed Crib Point.

After losing by 99 points the previous round, the Dales – with 17-year-old Gordon Waterfall excelling on debut - improved sharply to win 22.10 (142) to 16.20 (116).

The return of champ Chris Fortnam was also key for the Dales.

“We got the jump on them and it was pleasing to be able to continue on,’’ Pearcedale coach Ben Cadd said.

Pearcedale forwards Patty Heijden (7 goals) and Basil Sibosado (5) also ran hot, and teenager Lachie Marshall slotted three.

Cadd said Pearcedale (now 2-5) was determined to work its way “back into the season’’.

“It’s a good, attacking style of footy we’re playing at the moment. A lot of poeople are commenting they are enjoying watching us play,’’ he said.

Frankston Bombers coach Ben Hall said his side was aiming to take a big scalp in the coming weeks after his side beat Tyabb by 42 points to snap a four-game losing streak.

Jay Reynolds was sensational in the win, while Zach Longham booted five goals to continue his consistent season up forward.

“We are improving…hopefully now we can step up and take a bigger scalp, that’s what we are aiming for,’’ Hall said.

Somerville improved its record to 4-3 with a gritty four-goal win over Hastings. Stephen Crowe, Tim Hirst and Jacob Wilson were superb for the Eagles, who have emerged as a finals contender.