Brad Kingsbury
AFTER a week of upheaval that saw its coach replaced, Pearcedale went down badly to lowly Crib Point on Saturday and missed a chance to grab a position in the five.
The 59point loss, in wet and cold conditions, provided an ordinary coaching debut for loyal servant Josh Beard who took over the reins from Lew Hindle, who stepped aside for personal reasons on Thursday.
The Panthers remain in sixth place on percentage behind Somerville that also went down on the weekend, being beaten comfortably by fourthplaced Frankston with a 39point margin.
Dromana had a solid sixgoal victory over Sorrento, while Langwarrin retained its undefeated status with an 88point result over Red Hill, with big spearhead Ricky Ramsdale booting five goals.
In the final game Rosebud kept its finals hopes alive with a 33point win over Tyabb.
In Peninsula League, Bonbeach upset the inform EdithvaleAspendale to record its fourth win of the season, with the Sharks’ enigmatic big man Daniel Shiel being named best afield.
Frankston YCW also provided an upset with a superb 13point win over giantkillers Seaford in a lowscoring game.
Pines continued its push towards the top four with a gutsy sixpoint result over Karingal, while Chelsea proved too classy for bottom side Hastings, winning by 41 points.
In the traditional Sunday clash, secondplaced Mt Eliza took on the wet conditions and booted 21 goals to down Mornington by 62 points to round off the weekend.