Panthers tamed

PEARCEDALE made a horrible start to the 2010 Nepean League season with a 99-point capitulation to reigning premiers Frankston Bombers in round one on Saturday.
The Panthers unsettled off-season took its toll and, had it not been for a superb lone hand from full-forward Kerem Baskaya with seven of his side’s nine majors, the embarrassment would have been greater.
Chris Waghorne and Gavan O’Hayan joined Baskaya among their team’s better performers, but overall it was a dismal start for new coach Greg Siwes.
For Frankston ex-Mornington coach Bevan Malloy also snared seven goals, while Nick Graf was best afield.
Only three games were completed with five sides, Tyabb, Rye, Rosebud, Crib Point and Red Hill, drawing a bye in the opening week.
The closest game was fought out between Somerville and Dromana with the Eagles getting up by two points in a desperate last quarter, despite trailing at every break. The final game saw big-marking coach Troy Schwarze lead Sorrento superbly to record a 26-point result over Hastings.