Downer: Frankston YCW star Ash Eames gets up high here but had a rare down day against Mt Eliza on Saturday. Picture: Gary Sissons
MT Eliza secured a stirring victory over premier and ladder leader Frankston YCW in a Peninsula League match at Jubilee Park on Saturday.
The match of the round delivered with a tense contest between the ladder toppers that went right down to the wire.
The Redlegs are the first team to defeat the Stonecats this season, with former Geelong-listed player and ruckman Scott Simpson leading the way.
Simpson's ruck dominance was telling and in-form Frankston ruckman Ash Eames struggled to impose himself on the contest.
Mt Eliza coach Jason Watts said the win was a major coup for his side. "The win brings real belief to the playing group."
Mt Eliza had most of the run of play early in the first term but was unable to capitalise on its opportunities before Frankston adapted to the conditions.
The Stonecats started to kick away late in the first term, midfielder Ben Tellis taking control of the stoppages as Frankston's run spread took over.
The Stonecats had the wind in the second term and the momentum, but Eliza was able to hold sway.
Mt Eliza came barnstorming back into the match in the third term, booting six majors.
Redlegs captain James Clayton kicked a crucial goal to edge the Redlegs in front going into the final term, setting up what would be a tense final quarter.
YCW came back into the game hard in the final term.
Craig Nankervis had a heavy impact on the contest and brought his side back into the match.
Mt Eliza was relentless in the final term, applying plenty of pressure and threatening several times to take over, but its inaccuracy kept the Stonecats in the game.
The sealer finally came late with a wayward shot on goal by Redlegs forward Scott Lockwood that turned into a high-flying grab by gun Sam Lloyd, who then went back and iced the game.
In other Peninsula League clashes on Saturday, Chelsea narrowly defeated Langwarrin by nine points and Karingal made short work of the Pines with 74-point win.
Bonbeach cruised to a 50-point win over a struggling Mornington.
Seaford put Edithvale-Aspendale to the sword with a 49-point win.