1986 - SEAGULLS CRUISE TO FLAG

It’s lights out and goodnight for Michael Ritchie as Leigh Carpenter remonstrates with Seaford’s Ian Boswell just ten minutes into the game at the MPFL Grand Final.


Seagulls cruise to first flag in 18 years.

CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB is the 1986 MPFL premier. The Seagulls won their first flag since 1968 when they toppled Seaford by 57 points at Frankston VFA ground last Sunday.

A large crowd at Frankston saw the Seagulls break an 18 year-drought on Sunday when they defeated Seaford by eight goals.
Chelsea won the grand final in the second term, when it side stepped Seaford to kick a match winning eight goals.
Billy Clayton won the toss and kicked with the Kars St breeze.
Chelsea had good players in Andrew Sinclair, Richard Howlett, Leigh Carpenter and Dave Baker, who kicked two goals early and was to prove a handful all day for Craig Bartley.
Kelvin Richards did the same for Seaford and he was a stumbling block for the Seagull’s defence.
‘Stork’ Ritchie opened up in the ruck but left the ground after only ten minutes, the result of a Boswell tackle.
Seaford paid the penalty by playing Guy Hurs, who injured his knee at training on Thursday night and he took no further part after quarter time.
Chelsea coach Gerry Lynn told his players to “take the game now” at quarter time..... and they did.
Graham Savage at centre-half-forward booted four for the quarter and beat four opponents on the day to be best on ground.
He was unstoppable and bagged 6.4 in a great game.
Ron Stubbs started to get on top in the ruck and his linkmen Gary Barnett, ‘Silver’ Sinclair and Brendan Farrelly began to dominate for the Seagulls.
Seaford swung the side around in a bid to lift the team, but was still 36 points down at the last change for the year.
Seaford’s Ian Boswell, Frank Tobin and Marty Volkman lifted their games but the Tigers couldn’t break the Seagull’s concentration.
Seaford started the last quarter well when Hunter goaled.
They could have been closer but for inaccuracy and fumbling.
The Seagull’s defence of Ballik, Mullins, Dyke and Lynn held firm.
Umpires Gary Sutton and Mark Thorpe had done a good job all day.
They had their note-books out after 15 minutes when Boswell was reported for striking Ron Stubbs after a boundary throw in.
The ball was cleared to Chelsea’s forward zone where Frank Tobin was reported for striking Gary Barnett - the result was a free to Geoff Dyer who goaled.
The pens were out again minutes later when ‘Jezza’ O’Hanlon was booked.
Chelsea had dominated the two key forward posts all day and Baker snapped over his shoulder after 25 minutes then Savage marked and goaled in time on to seal the Tiger’s fate.
Final Score : Chelsea 19.11 - 125 defeated Seaford 9.14 - 68.
Full credit must go to rookie coach Gerry Lynn, who in his first year as a leader has stamped his running style of game into the Seagulls.
Gerry felt the talent ‘was there all along’ and he has found the best in the Seagull’s youth, especially Fred Dyke, Wayne Foster, John Clinton and Geoff Dyer.
It has been a long wait for chairman of selectors (since 1981) Noel Hopgood, but he has been patient since joining the Seagulls as Reserve’s coach in 1972.
Chelsea deserved its win as it was first to the ball all day and had more incentive to reverse last year’s result.
In the 80’s it has been hard to win ‘back to backs’ as Seaford twice, Rye and Mt Eliza have all found.
Seaford did well to reach the grand final from fourth position and, although justifiably disappointed with the result can take heart from their performance. Chelsea were just too good.
 
MARK PEARSON “The Independent”


 

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