Red Hill ends lengthy drought to knock off Sorrento at Sorrento in Nepean Football League

RED Hill had not beaten Sorrento, at Sorrento, since 2002. That was, until Saturday.

Pictured is round 2 of the Nepean Football Netball League Australian Rules Football game Somerville with royal blue and gold and blue shorts versus Red Hill in red and white with white shorts at Recreation Reserve in Somerville on 18 April 2015. Red Hill coach Tony Blackford. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

RED Hill has beaten Sorrento, at Sorrento, for the first time since 2002.

But Hillmen coach Tony Blackford refused to say his side had overtaken the reigning champs after their come-from-behind 10.13 (73) to 8.9 (57) win on Saturday.

“They are still flag favourites and still a very good side,’’ Blackford said of Sorrento.

“I reckon we got them at a good time because they’d only played two games in four weeks. I don’t reckon they were able to run the game out like we were.’’

Sorrento surged to a nine-point lead at quarter time and were still two points ahead at half-time.

But a rampaging Red Hill took control in the third term with eight scoring shots to two, to skip 14 points ahead at the last change.

Blackford praised defender Paul Wintle, who kept Sorrento spearhead Myles Pitt to three goals, and said there was a contribution from all players.

Jayden Pain kicked three goals and Michael Mock continued his fine form.

“We played 120 minutes of footy and were able to sustain the pressure on them. It’s terrific,’’ Blackford said.

“It’s been a long, long time since Red Hill have beaten Sorrento down at Sorrento.’’

Ironically, Blackford was coach of Sorrento in ’02 when Red Hill last won at David McFarlan Reserve.

Elsewhere, Hastings is the only undefeated side in Nepean league after beating Dromana by 25 points to improve its record to 3-0.

Led by skipper Paul Rogasch, the Blues had 15 more scoring shots than Dromana and won 14.21 (105) to 12.8 (80). Forward Dale Alanis was lively, kicking 1.5, and Luke Hewitt and Colin McVeigh impressed.

Hastings coach Brendan Dunne said his side was better this season than it was in 2014.

“Yeah I think so, there’s definitely a better team spirit which I think counts for a lot,’’ he said.

“You can talk about names and all that but we are just trying to work hard on the training track and play more team orientated football.’’

Dunne said his side’s defence was another key to its success.

Rye was given a scare before seeing off Frankston Bombers by 22 points at Greg Beck Oval.

The Bombers got four goals ahead in the third quarter before Rye, with Ryan Mullett, Kris Bardon and Dean Millhouse showing the way, found another gear.

The Demons powered home with a five-goal last quarter to win 15.13 (103) to 11.15 (81). First-gamer, 16-year-old Jackson Allen, impressed, kicking a goal.

“The most pleasing part about yesterday was that when we were challenged our leaders stood up,’’ Rye coach Josh Moore said.

Bombers coach Beau Muston was upbeat nonetheless.

“Our guys kept fighting on,’’ he said. “I think we had one on the bench after half-time so that did hurt us a bit.

“But full credit to Rye, their midfielders stood up when they had to. I was very proud of our group, how they went about it.’’

Sam Drake and Brett Sutton were the Bombers’ best.

Rosebud sits atop the ladder after rolling over Devon Meadows 13.14 (92) to 7.4 (46).

Former Frankston Dolphins captain Paul Kennedy played his first game for the Buds. Former Subiaco premiership player Rob Forrest was best on ground.

Crib Point scored its first win for the season, trouncing Tyabb by 91 points.

Luke Herrington, with four goals, was outstanding and former Warburton player Matt Wappett did well.

This week: Sorrento v Tyabb, Frankston v Devon Meadows, Rosebud v Dromana, Pearcedale v Red Hill, Rye v Crib Point, Hastings v Somerville.