Red Hill is just one step away from its first premiership success in 28 years after the Hillmen scored a thrilling 14-point victory over Dromana in today’s MPNFL Division Two second semi-final at Hastings.
The Hillmen had an up-and-down day with their foot skills, slicing the Tigers apart with some precise ball movement off half back and through the midfield, but were hamstrung by some inaccurate kicking at goal.
The Hillmen dominated long periods of play but failed to convert in front of the big sticks, kicking 7.17.59 to 6.9.45 to secure a grand final berth at Frankston Park on Saturday September 8.
A set shot from Sean Marchetti and a brilliant dribble kick from the boundary line from Jono Ross finished off the job for the Hillmen after a Ben Holmes goal brought the Tigers to within a kick.
Red Hill’s much-vaunted backline was superb, with Jonah Siversen, Lachie Chandler, Matt Hyden, Tom McEncroe, Aiden Marchesani and Dan McNamara repelling the Tigers throughout the course of the afternoon.
Siversen was inspirational off half back, with a strong last-quarter tackle on Sam Fowler capping off a best on ground display.
Holmes kicked three second-half goals to drag the Tigers back into the contest, but they fell short with many of their best players having quiet days at the office.
In Division One, the dream of winning five-consecutive premierships is still alive for Frankston YCW after the Stonecats produced a stunning last-quarter revival to roll Edithvale-Aspendale by eight points in the elimination final at Chelsea.
The Stonecats trailed by 20 points at three-quarter time before producing a 5.5 to 1.1 final term to win, 11.16.82 to 11.8.74.
In Division Two netball, Karingal will play Crib Point in next week’s grand final at Somerville after an eight-goal victory over Langwarrin. The Kangas finished top of the table but were bundled out in straight sets.
In women’s football, Seaford (Div 1), Tyabb (Div 2) and Pearcedale (Div 3) have booked their tickets to next Saturday’s grand finals at Beaconsfield with great wins over Mornington, Seaford and Frankston respectively.
A bumper weekend of action continues tomorrow with Mt Eliza and Pines set for a thrilling shootout in the Division One qualifying final at Mornington, while Karingal and Langwarrin will fight for survival in the Division Two first semi-final at Rye.
The Division One netball semi-finals will also be played at Mornington tomorrow, with Edi-Asp and Sorrento meeting in the second semi-final, and Seaford and Rosebud looking to advance to the prelim in what should be a hard-fought first semi-final on court two.
TODAY’S MPNFL RESULTS
MPNFL DIVISION ONE – ELIMINATION FINALS
Seniors
Frankston YCW 11.8.74 defeated Edithvale-Aspendale 11.16.82
Reserves
Sorrento 12.11.83 defeated Frankston YCW 7.4.46
Under 19s
Mornington 7.11.53 defeated Frankston Bombers 7.9.51
MPNFL DIVISION TWO – SECOND SEMI-FINALS
Seniors
Red Hill 7.17.59 defeated Dromana 6.9.45
Reserves
Karingal 5.10.40 defeated Hastings 5.7.37
Under 19s
Red Hill 15.6.96 defeated Rye 8.3.51
A Grade Netball
Karingal 37 defeated Langwarrin 29
B Grade
Somerville 51 defeated Dromana 38
C Grade
Dromana 30 defeated Chelsea 27
D Grade
Somerville 34 defeated Langwarrin 25
17 and Under
Hastings 27 defeated Red Hill 25
SEWF – PRELIMINARY FINALS
Division One
Seaford defeated Mornington
Division Two
Tyabb defeated Seaford
Division Three
Pearcedale defeated Frankston
Picture: Gary Bradshaw/GameFace
