In a vital Round 13 MPNFL Division 2 clash, Somerville secured its best win of the season, overcoming fifth-placed Devon Meadows on their home deck.
Fresh off a commanding 117-point victory over Hastings, the Eagles went into the match seventh on the ladder. It was truly a case of “no guts, no glory”.
Somerville led by six points at quarter time but found themselves trailing by 17 at the half and facing a 16-point deficit at the final change. With their season hanging in the balance, Coach Chris Gamble rallied his side, stressing that superior fitness would prove decisive. It did — Somerville surged home, restricting Devon to just three points for the quarter while Ryan McNamara and Corey Battams sealed the comeback with two late goals.
Belief has remained strong at Somerville all season, despite injury setbacks to key players. Captain Mason De Wit, towering 203cm ruckman Tom Roberts, Matt Bullock and Ryan McNamara were all influential in turning the tide.
The seven-point victory sparked jubilant scenes in the rooms, keeping the Eagles’ finals hopes alive ahead of a tough home test against Bonbeach.
Best players for Somerville:
Mitch Mantell was outstanding, leading from the backline with a commanding display. He was well supported by the ever-reliable Lachie Haskett, Lachie Gill Renouf, Oliver Heavey and Tom Roberts. In truth, every player contributed with a strong team-first approach.
Best for Devon Meadows:
Arnold Kirby, Ky Williams, Ryan Koo, Dean Kent, Liam Drew.
Other grades
Senior Reserves:
Somerville 22.18 (150) defeated Devon Meadows 2.0 (12)
Somerville best: Ostyn Saker, Jesse Walker-Swain, Pax Sheffield Gunn, Sam Garner, Jordy Ross.
Somerville now sits clear atop the ladder with a percentage of 410%.
Under 19s:
Devon Meadows 8.5 (53) defeated Somerville 5.11 (41)
Somerville best: Max Mantell, Wyatt Quinlan, Wil Sauer, Jesse Garner, Noah Alderson.
Around the grounds – Round 14 fixtures
- Crib Point v Tyabb
- Devon Meadows v Rye
- Karingal v Hastings
- Pearcedale v Frankston Bombers
- Seaford v Chelsea
- Somerville v Bonbeach
Social News
Legendary football journalist Mike Sheahan will headline the SFNC Business Luncheon on Friday, 18 July. See club channels for details.
