Dromana has set up a blockbuster second semi-final showdown with Southern Peninsula rival Sorrento after a gutsy 16-point victory over Pines in Saturday’s qualifying final at Rosebud.
The Tigers and Sharks will meet on neutral ground at Rye’s RJ Rowley Reserve next Saturday after the Tigers held off a determined Pines outfit in the final term.
The Tigers looked sure winners at three-quarter time – two points ahead and with the aid of a strong breeze in the final term – but took until late into the match to secure a guaranteed place in the last two weeks of finals.
Dromana’s dangerous forward line once again troubled the Pythons, with the exquisite left-boot of Ethan Johnstone contributing four goals and Reece Wilde and skipper Terry Wheeler chiming in with five goals between them.
Ethan Johnstone was the star of the show for Dromana – booting four goals in a 16-point qualifying final victory over Pines.
The experienced pairing of Rohan Bleeker and coach Rikki Johnston were also outstanding for the Tigers, while Billy Geurts more than matched motors with Russell Gabriel in the ruck.
Pines, well it now has to endure a three-week Sunday-survival program if it is to defend its much-publicised title-win from last year.
And the Pythons will need to do so without the reliable Ben Thomas, who will be sorely missed after dislocation and break to his lower leg.
The Pythons will take on the winner of today’s elimination final clash between Frankston YCW and Bonbeach at Mornington.
In netball, Sorrento has booked a place in next week’s second semi-final against Rosebud after a thrilling 55-54 extra-time qualifying final victory over Edithvale-Aspendale.
The Sharks and Eagles have been strong rivals over the last two years and have played some great matches – with this one being almost the pick of the bunch.
Edi-Asp had a game-high margin of seven goals before Sorrento struck back to claim a famous victory. The netball action continues today with Dromana and Mornington squaring off in the elimination final at Rye.
DIVISION TWO
Red Hill appears to have a stranglehold on the Chisholm MPNFL Division Two premiership after the Hillmen dismantled Langwarrin by 40 points in the second semi-final at Chelsea.
The Hillmen made great use of the breeze, booting 14 of their 15 goals in the second and fourth quarters – including a stunning 7.2 to 2.2 final term that extended a 10-point lead at three-quarter time.
Coach Jamie Mollo once again received great consistency across the park with youngster Dan Frampton joining Kyle Beveridge, Jake Mold and Harry Wynn-Pope as some of the Hillmen’s best-performed players.
Red Hill sharp-shooter Jono Ross was in fine form on Saturday – booting five goals in a 40-point win over Langwarrin.
The club’s leading goalkicker, Jono Ross, was instrumental up forward with five goals, while defender Jonah Siversen showed his enormous value to the team by booting two goals of his own.
Langy – who received great service from the like of Ash Fenech, Gerard Brown and Jesse Murphy – will take on the winner of today’s first semi-final between Karingal and Somerville in next Saturday’s preliminary final at Somerville.
In netball, Crib Point has booked its place in this year’s grand final after a 47-36 victory over Langwarrin.
The Magpies are now just one step away from redemption after losing last year’s grand final to Karingal. Langwarrin will play either Seaford or Hastings in next Saturday’s preliminary final at Somerville.