Somerville secured clear second position on the premiership ladder in its MPNFL Round 14 fixture against third-placed Seaford on their turf, 22-11-143 to 11-16-82.
With five rounds remaining, Somerville coach Chris Gamble challenged his players to make an early statement. They carried out his instructions to perfection, kicking eight goals in the opening quarter to lead by 40 points at the first break.
Seaford rallied early in the second quarter and demonstrated why it is such a highly rated outfit.
However, the close-knit Somerville unit shut down Seaford’s momentum and piled on another six goals for the quarter to lead by a decisive 53 points at the main break.
Somerville’s game plan featured a team-first mentality, with every player performing his role. The side also showed excellent centre-square cohesion, a strong defence that repelled Seaford’s attacks and an efficient forward line that capitalised on rapid forward entries.
The second half was evenly balanced, with Somerville kicking six goals to Seaford’s five.
Positions in the Somerville team are at a premium with four rounds to play, while star players Michael Hibberd and Lachie Haskett are still to return as automatic selections.
Somerville’s best players, as named by the club:
- Lachie Sharp, mobile and dominant forward
- Ben Kaddatz, elusive and effective over four quarters
- Bailey Bakker, strong and attacking in defence
- Luke Burton, hard at the ball all day
- Kai Suparta, dynamite with loose balls in the forward line
Goal kickers:
- Lachie Williams, 5, including a ball-burster from 60 metres
- Ben Kaddatz, 4
- Luke Burton, 4
- Lachie Sharp, 2
- Kai Suparta, 2
Senior Reserves
Somerville 17-8-110 defeated Seaford 3-5-23
Somerville’s best players were Josh Collie, Ethan Watts, Blake Mealey, Ethan Mills and Ryan McNamara.
McNamara kicked five goals, while Jai Triep finished with four.
The team currently sits in fourth position but can draw level with second-placed Frankston Bombers with a win in the coming round.
Under-19s
Seaford 11-10-76 defeated Somerville 3-5-23
Somerville’s best players were Max Mantell, Heath Brisbane, Noah Alderson, Jack James, who kicked three goals, and Royce Lyne.
The team currently occupies fourth position and faces ladder leader Frankston in Round 15.
Thirds Senior Men
Somerville 10-9-69 defeated Rosebud 1-2-8
Somerville’s best players were Tom Edwards, Yiann Marandos, Scott Foster, Josh Connell and Adam Wilson.
Charlie Dixon and Scott Foster kicked three goals apiece.
Somerville currently sits in third position on the premiership ladder.
Netball
- A Grade: Somerville 38, Seaford 65
- B Grade: Somerville 39, Seaford 59
- C Grade: Somerville 44, Seaford 44
- D Grade: Somerville 33, Seaford 33
- Under-17: Somerville 34, Seaford 32
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