Monbulk run out victors

By Gary Wragg
MONBULK kept its finals hopes alive after weathering an opening burst from an inspired Burras outfit at Warburton-Millgrove.
The Burras were fired up and out-bustled the Hawks to race out to a 35-point lead in the opening quarter.
The fumbling Hawks had little answer to the Walker brothers who supplied spearhead Muccitelli with ample opportunities.
At the other end, rookie full forward Michael Langworthy was also giving the Hawks a vital focal point.
The Hawks steadied under the sublime skill of David Taylor, who began feeding his outrunners with deft work in and under the packs.
But the Burras refused to lie down, clinging grimly to their lead at the final break.
After Warburton posted an early goal to slip away to a 15-point lead, the Hawks younger brigade of Cleven, Creed and Gray had emerged as important factors in a Hawk revival.
The intensity was taking its toll on the Burras with injuries mounting and the young trio of Hawks took control as Monbulk ran all over Warburton in a barnstorming finish.
Final Score: Monbulk 19.11.125 defeated Warburton-Millgrove 16.9.105.
Best: Taylor, M. Hughson, Dunstan, Creed, Langworthy, Bartlett, Cleven.
Goals: Langworthy 6.
Reserves
REVENGE was on the mind of the Hawks after bowing to Warburton in the Grand Final, but the Burras were having none of that in the first quarter and held a narrow lead.
Monbulk regrouped through strong work from Mick Armstrong and Dean White as the game settled into a titanic struggle. The Hawks were showing signs that they were about to pounce as Marsh and Boyle began to assert themselves.
The Hawks looked in control with a 16 point margin in the last quarter, but Warby hit back until skipper O’Neill-Akker;s solo effort quelled the final resistance.
Finals Score: Monbulk 10.7.67 defeated Warburton-Millgrove 8.10.58.
Best: Armstrong, White, Arnott, Marsh, Goland, Boyle.
Goals: Brooks, Marsh 2.