Reported by Michael Robinson
A Justin Berry goal with 15 seconds remaining have secured a draw for Frankston against Box Hill at Frankston Park today. Frankston's finals hope were gone not long after the final siren when the news came through that the Bendigo Bombers beat the Casey Scorpions at Cranbourne.
It was an even first quarter wth both teams trading goals, the Dolphins going into the first break leading by 4 points.
The Dolphins started he 2nd quarter well with Chris Oliver kicking 3 goals. A late come back from the Hawks combined with some poor kicking at goal reduced the lead to 6 points at half time.
The 3rd quarter was also very even but once again Frankston's inaccuracy meant the game remained close at the last change with the Dolphins leading by 9 points. Ricky Morris was carried off the ground injured late in the quarter which was a big blow for the Dolphins.
Box Hill came out firing kicking the first 3 goals of the final quarter to lead by 9 points before a Trent Shinners goal got Frankston within 2 points with about 7 minutes to go. Hawks Danny Jacobs who had been kept quiet all day all of a sudden kicked a goal with just over 2 minutes left to give the Hawks a 6 point lead. Box Hill were trying to bottle it up but Frankston had one last chance and Justin Berry got the ball and ran into kick the goal with 15 seconds remaining to level the scores. No one could get the centre clearance away and then the siren sounded and the game ended in a draw.
Christian Ongarello, Marcus Marigliani and Byron Barry were the Dolphins best. Disappointing result as the Dolphins had 10 more scoring shots but couldn't get the win.
Next Saturday the Dolphins will finish the season against arch rivals the Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields game starts at 2pm.
FRANKSTON 3.5 8.9 10.13 12.16(88 )
BOX HILL HAWKS 3.1 8.3 10.4 14.4(88 )
Goals: Aaron Murray 3, Chris Oliver 3, Justin Berry 2, Curtis Barker, Dale Whelan, Neil Winterton, Trent Shinners
Best Players: Christian Ongarello, Marcus Marigliani, Byron Barry, Chris Oliver, Sam Carpenter, Paul Kennedy
RESERVES
Despite 6 goals from Kelvin Barnes it wasn't enough for the Dolphins as the went down to Box Hill by 38 points. It was pleasing to see the Dolphins fighing it out right to end today.
Along with Barnes, Matt Stanley and Toby Conroy were among Frankston's best.
This was the reserves final game of the season as they have the Bye next week. The reserves finished the year in 8th position with a 6-12 record.
FRANKSTON 4.0 8.2 13.5 15.7(97)
BOX HILL HAWKS 5.3 8.8 13.9 20.15(135)
Goals: Kelvin Barnes 6, Khalid Foggi 3, Toby Conroy 2, Matt Stanley, Bradley Horaczko, Jamie McCall, Glen Manson
Best Players: Matt Stanley, Toby Conroy, Kelvin Barnes, Sam Reddaway, Brendan Dunne, Khalid Foggi
