Strong hands: Dromana's Liam Hogan takes a grab in his side's easy win over Somerville on Saturday. Picture: Daryl Gordon
SORRENTO narrowly staved off defeat by a resurgent Rosebud with a five-point win in their Nepean League match at Olympic Oval on Saturday.
Sorrento was challenged at every corner by a desperate Rosebud, whose finals chances have become more distant with the narrow loss to the ladder leader.
The Sharks controlled the tempo for the first half, Rosebud fighting hard to stay involved.
Sorrento coach Nick Claringbold paid full credit to resilient Rosebud. "It was a tight contest all day and they probably deserved to win," he said. "They just kept grinding away. They are a very good side."
Sorrento gun Troy Schwarze was at his best, his talents across half-back providing plenty of rebound for the Sharks and causing headaches for the Buds all day.
Rosebud surged in the third quarter, bringing itself back into the game with a seven goals to four term.
As the pressure mounted, Sorrento ramped up its efforts through the centre and applied plenty of pressure of its own. Former Port Adelaide, Carlton player and Rosebud star Greg Bentley had a tough day, with Sorrento tagger Mitch Nibbs limiting his effectiveness.
The Buds pushed hard in the fourth term and both sides had numerous opportunities that went begging. The Sharks just managed to hold out the Buds.
Sorrento takes on the Frankston Bombers on Saturday.
In other Nepean League matches on Saturday, Crib Point remained in touch with the top four with a 42-point win over Pearcedale. Hastings easily accounted for Devon Meadows with a 41-point victory. Frankston Bombers crushed Tyabb by 67 points.
Dromana smashed Somerville with a 174-point demolition of the hapless Eagles. Red Hill suffered a 102-point drubbing at the hands of Rye, Demons forward Justin Van Unen booting 10 majors.
For pictures of Dromana v Somerville, click on multimedia Gallery link at upper right.
FINAL SCORES
Victorian Football League:
Northern Blues 18.9 (117) d Frankston Dolphins 10.9 (69)
TAC Cup:
Gippsland Power 11.12 (78) d Dandenong Stingrays 11.8 (74).
Casey Cardinia League:
Cranbourne 24.17 (161) d Berwick 10.8(68) d Narre Warren 13.16 (94) d Beaconsfield 10.8 (68); Doveton 38.22(250) Hampton Park 3.3 (21); Pakenham 15.16 (106) d ROC 13.9 (87); Tooradin-Dalmore 17.13 (115) d Keysborough 7.16(58).
Nepean League:
Crib Point 17.13 (115) d Pearcedale 10.13 (73); Hastings 17.9 (111) d Devon Meadows 10.10 (70); Frankston Bombers 16.19 (115) d Tyabb 6.12 (48); Sorrento 9.12 (66) d Rosebud 9.7 (61); Rye 24.16 (160) d Red Hill 8.10 (58) Dromana 29.21 (195) d Somerville 2.9(21).
Peninsula League:
Frankston YCW 11.15 (81) d Karingal 9.11 (65); Langwarrin 12.19 (91) d Pines 12.10 (82); Bonbeach 16.11 (107) d Seaford 15.16 (106); Chelsea 15.9 (99) d Edithvale-Aspendale 12.13 (85); Mt Eliza 22.16 (148) d Mornington 8.6 (54).
For full results, click on Frankston Latest Sport Results link above right.
THIS WEEK
Victorian Football League:
Bendigo v Casey Scorpions, Windy Hill, 1.10pm; Frankston v Box Hill Hawks, Frankston Oval, 2pm.
TAC Cup:
Sandringham Dragons v Dandenong Stingrays, Shepley Oval, 11am.
Casey Cardinia League:
Cranbourne v Narre Warren, Casey Fields, 2.15pm; ROC v Berwick, Officer Recreation Reserve, 2.15pm; Beaconsfield v Pakenham, Perc Allison Oval, 2.15pm; Doveton v Tooradin-Dalmore, Robinson Oval, 2.15pm; Keysborough v Hampton Park, Rowley Allen Reserve, 2.15pm.
Nepean League:
Crib Point v Hastings, Crib Point Recreation Reserve, 2.15pm; Sorrento v Frankston Bombers, David McFarlane Reserve, 2.15pm; Dromana v Rye, Dromana Recreation Reserve, 2.15pm; Rosebud v Devon Meadows, Olympic Oval, 2.15pm; Pearcedale v Red Hill, Pearcedale Recreation Reserve, 2.15pm.
Peninsula League:
Mornington v Pines, Alexandra Park, 2.15pm; Frankston YCW v Chelsea, Jubilee, 2.15pm; Bonbeach v Karingal, No. 1 Oval, 2.15pm; Edithvale-Aspendale v Langwarrin, Regent Park, 2.15pm; Seaford v Mt Eliza, Seaford Oval, 2.15pm.
All games on Saturday unless otherwise stated.