Sorrento advances to the Nepean second semi-final after edging Dromana by three points

MORNINGTON and Rye stay alive after winning gripping elimination finals on the weekend in the Nepean Football League.

Nepean league qualfying final Dromana v Sorrento Picture: Susan Windmiller

SORRENTO made a flying start to the 2014 Nepean league finals series on Saturday, defeating Dromana by three points in the qualifying final at Somerville.

In a rematch of last season’s grand final, the Sorras kicked five goals in the last quarter to turn a five-goal half-time deficit into a rousing 15.11 (101) to 14.14 (98) win.

Former Port Melbourne forward Myles Pitt, in just his third senior game of the season, slotted six goals to play a starring role for Sorrento.

Ben and Troy Schwarze also relished the finals atmosphere to be key figures in the win, which puts Sorrento into this weekend’s second semi-final against minor premier Crib Point.

Dromana’s quest for back-to-back titles remains alive, but the Tigers now go into the do-or-die first semi-final.

In perfect, sunny conditions, Dromana looked sharp as it kicked 11.11 to 7.5 in the first half to take charge of the game.

Sorrento coach Troy Schwarze said some positional changes in the second half helped the Sharks claw their way back into the contest.

Sorrento trailed by 15 points at three-quarter time before hitting the front late in the game.

Ben Schwarze was best-on-ground after starting on the ball and later floating across half back, racking up possessions. Sorrento spearhead Leigh Poholke slotted three goals to move to 82 for the season, and Zach Byrns also kicked three.

Pitt made the most of some silvern service from Sorrento’s midfield, marking strongly and kicking straight.

“Myles was good. We delivered it pretty well to him in the second half. He was nice and strong for us,’’ Troy said.

Sorrento champion Ben Schwarze drives his team into attack against Dromana. Picture: Susan Windmiller

Kayle Stringer-Morris was a late withdrawal but will be right for this week’s clash with Crib Point.

Sorrento has been a dominant force in finals over the past decade, contesting every finals series since 2006 and winning four flags.

“I’d suggest we’ve only lost a few (finals) in the last six years,’’ Troy said.

“I’m sure there are a couple of teams keen to knock us off. We have a big challenge this week against Cribby, who have had a good year. We’re looking forward to that challenge.’’

Dromana’s best were Jack Fowler, Brad Grove, Christian Ongarello and Steve Gaertner, who kicked four goals. Billy Quigley and Ash Waterstone kicked three goals apiece for Dromana.

Rye forward Andrew Dean went from villain to hero when he booted a goal in the last minute to snatch a gripping two-point win for the Demons in Sunday’s Nepean league elimination final — and cruelly ended Red Hill’s terrific season.

Minutes before, Dean missed a goal from the top of the square and it looked like costing the Demons — especially when Red Hill’s Jared Eames drilled a goal to put the Hillmen four points in front as the clocked ticked past 27 minutes.

But Dean redeemed himself, slotting a set shot to secure a tense win for Rye, 11.17 (83) to 12.9 (81), at Hastings. Red Hill players fell to the ground in despair as the siren sounded, the realisation hitting home that their mighty season that yielded 13 wins (after only three wins last year) was over.

Rye, which sneaked into the finals on percentage, lives to fight another day and will meet reigning premier Dromana in the first semi-final.

Bonbeach buried some demons from last year when it overpowered reigning premier Edithvale-Aspendale to win the  Peninsula league qualifying final by 31 points at Frankston Park on Saturday.

Barely a kick separated the sides for three quarters before the Sharks piled on five goals to one in the last term to win 16.15 (111) to 12.8 (80).

Paul Rebeschini was brilliant, fuelling Bonbeach’s surge with a dashing display in the backline, while Jackson Casey, Gary Carpenter and Danny Ades were also influential.

Bonbeach’s forward line operated well, with Calhan McQueen (five goals), Shane McDonald (four) and Shaun Foster (two) providing avenues to goal.

In last year’s grand final, Edi-Asp came from 33 points behind in the last quarter to swamp a tiring Bonbeach and win the flag, but Saturday’s result was the total opposite.

This time, Bonny finished with a rush and the Eagles had no answer.

Bonbeach suffered a setback before the game, losing ruckmen Dylan Jones and James Norton — both struck down by a virus. Ades and Owen Hulett stepped up to share the ruck duties.

Edi-Asp forward Jarrod Garth did his best to inspire his side, booting six goals.

Bonny coach Steve Capp was delighted with his side’s “four-quarter effort’’.

“We managed to finish off pretty fresh, we were full of running,’’ Capp said.

“The boys loved it, really enjoyed it. It was good to get that one out of the way.’’

Dandenong Stingrays lad Liam Hulett played centre half forward for Bonbeach and impressed.

Bonbeach will face minor premier Frankston YCW in the second semi-final this Saturday at Frankston Park. The winner will go into the grand final.

Bonbeach is chasing its first premiership since 1984.

Heavy traffic in the Nepean league qualifying final. Picture: Susan Windmiller

Mornington held off a late-charging Langwarrin to win the Peninsula league elimination final by two points at Pines on Sunday.

The Bulldogs led by 34 points in the last term before Langy, coming home with the breeze, launched a late bid.

When Dan Wehner drilled a long goal, the Kangaroos were only two points behind and it was clear they only needed another couple of minutes before they’d hit the front. But time ran out, the siren sounding as Langwarrin was pressing. Mornington held on to win 9.9 (63) to 9.7 (61).

Langwarrin players collapsed in a heap. Mornington players breathed a sigh of relief. The Bulldogs had scored their first win in a final in 11 years.

Mornington progresses to the first semi-final against reigning premier Edi-Asp.