Somerville Football Club continued its scintillating run of form to record a convincing victory against Frankston Bombers Football Club and, in the process, secured a finals berth off virtually the last kick of the day.
Season Finale Drama
In a riveting conclusion to the MPNFL Division 2 season, the top six teams were fixtured to play each other:
- Crib Point v Chelsea
- Pearcedale v Devon Meadows
- Somerville v top team Frankston Bombers
Somerville had to defeat Frankston or the season was over. In a comprehensive display of team-first football, they prevailed by five goals.
With Somerville saluting, Devon Meadows also needed to defeat Pearcedale. In a fluctuating contest, they eventually came out on top to secure a finals berth.
But the plot thickened! With the Somerville v Frankston match decided, the Crib Point v Chelsea fixture was still in play. The winner would certainly play finals, and the loser could potentially drop out, with percentage deciding Crib Point’s fate if they lost.
Finals Spot Sealed by 1%
With The Nest bursting at the seams, Somerville players and supporters frantically waited for live updates on their phones, while many tuned in to the live broadcast on Peninsula radio station RPP FM. With only a few minutes to play, Chelsea nailed a vital goal to take the lead. A last desperate shot on goal by Crib failed to register, ending their finals hopes.
With Crib Point’s loss and Somerville’s win, both sides finished equal on points. Fifth position came down to percentage — and Somerville secured a finals berth by a slender 1%.
Seven Straight Wins
Amongst all the drama, Somerville extended its barnstorming run to seven consecutive wins. Importantly, they defeated every team above them on the ladder, including Devon Meadows, Chelsea, Pearcedale and Frankston Bombers.
The hallmark of each win has been a rock-solid team defence, with Mitch Mantell once again outstanding in crunch moments. Reducing ladder-leaders Frankston to 3-13-31 provides real optimism heading into finals.
Other standout players, as nominated by the club, included Jack Moroney, Luke Burton, Lachie Fewster and Lachie Haskett in an even team performance.
Elimination Final
Somerville v Chelsea at Chelsea
Senior Reserves
Somerville 5-5-35 lost to Frankston Bombers 10-4-64
This was the team’s only loss for the season, finishing in clear top position on the ladder.
Best Players: Luke Farrelly, Levi Dixon, Jett McDonald, Dylan Webber, Aiden Finn
Under-19s
Somerville 1-0-6 lost to Frankston Bombers 17-15-117
Best Players: Will Thomas, Dean Resuggen, Mitchell Sawyer, Bray West, Wyatt Quinlan
Somerville Netball Club Results
- A-Grade: Somerville 77 def Bombers 32
- B-Grade: Somerville 63 def Bombers 22
- C-Grade: Somerville 27 lost to Bombers 35
- D-Grade: Somerville 32 lost to Bombers 39
- Under-17s: Somerville 18 lost to Bombers 35
