FRANKSTON YCW consolidated top spot on the ladder with a hard-fought 16-point win over Karingal in their Peninsula League clash at Ballam Park on Saturday.
In what is always a fascinating contest between the Frankston-based powerhouses the Bulls put the Stonecats on the back foot early.
Brad Ulms and his forward cohorts led the way as Frankston YCW rallied in the second term. "We asked the forwards to up their work rate and they stepped up," Stonecats coach Tony Barry said.
The multi-pronged Stonecats forward line was again very productive Ricky Morris finishing with four majors and Michael Chaplin three.
The Stonecats welcomed the return of Dandenong Stingray Josh Westerman to the senior line-up. The talented youngster slowly worked his way into the match.
Karingal veteran Justin Peckett continued his rich vein of form, providing the Bulls' half-back line with attacking dare and proving dangerous when moving up the ground.
The Stonecats crept ahead in the second term but Karingal stayed at the door, Bulls ruckman Grant Goodall combining well with midfielder Stephen Charalambous.
The Stonecats steadied in the third term and started to take control, linking well through the midfield, on-baller Ben Tellis making his presence felt.
Despite the Stonecats' wayward kicking they managed to hold on against the fast-finishing Bulls. Karingal key forward Chris Hay came away with four goals.
The Stonecats come up against fourth-placed Chelsea while Karingal will square off against Bonbeach on Saturday. .
In other Peninsula League matches, Bonbeach defeated Seaford by the narrowest of margins, forcing the Tigers out of the top four.
Langwarrin welcomed the return of former Hawks midfielder Beau Muston with a nine-point victory over the Pines.
On Sunday, Chelsea defeated Edithvale-Aspendale by 14 points while Mt Eliza thumped Mornington by 94 points.