Hawks hit by jinx

Seniors
Wandin 16.9.105 d Monbulk 13.19.97.
MONBULK once again succumbed to the Bulldog hoodoo when they failed by eight points to overcome Wandin in a gripping match at the Wandin ‘Kennel’ on Saturday.
Coming off a heavy loss against Silvan, the Hawks looked for respite against Wandin, who had yet to register a win, but the Bulldogs were primed to get their season up and running in their first game at home.
Monbulk made do with a makeshift forward structure which presented Wandin’s Oxley with an opportunity to shine with his marking and run out of the backline.
Monbulk suffered a further blow when they lost their main avenue to goal in rookie full forward, Michael Langworthy during the third quarter.
The Hawks had their opportunities, but for the second consecutive week they wasted possession with poor disposal.
Mick Hughson and David Taylor worked hard to stem the flow and Jarret Anderson was a rare bright spot under packs, but with Wandin dominating the flanks, and Monbulk’s wasteful kicking up forward, the Dogs emerged deserved winners.
Best: Hicken, Taylor, Anderson, Hughson, Devers.
Goals: Langworthy 4, Hicken, Cleven 2.
Reserves
Monbulk 19.19.133 d Wandin 5.8.38.
THE Hawks continued their storming start to the year after disposing of a feisty Wandin, who tested Monbulk in the first half with their attack on the ball and running game.
The Hawks rallied after the break to restore some order with Brooks continuing his fine season by capping off a fine game with 6 goals.
Youngsters in Tom Wright and Paddy Anderson shone all day. Anderson’s pace and aggression speared through the Wandin defence to give quality opportunities to the forwards.
Best: Anderson, Brooks, Colee, Brown, Alenson.
Goals: Brooks 6, Colee 4, Fraser, Seamer, Wolfe 2.
Under 18
Monbulk 18.14.122 d Wandin 5.8.38.
THE young Hawks moved into second place with a resounding win over Wandin, led once again by the talent of Keiren Gray and Aaron Greaves who gathered quality possessions at will.
After a slow start which saw them 2 points in arrears, the Hawks put the foot down in the second quarter to secure the game, then continued to hold sway throughout the remainder of the match.
Best: Greaves, Gray, Waldron, Coen, D. Hartog.
Goals: Creed 4, Baldwin, Waldron 3, Peterson 2.
Netball
A Grade
Monbulk: 34 d Wandin 14.
CAROLYN Bevan was instrumental in the win with some fine court work and swift hands, giving many opportunities to Jamie Sands and young Amy Belton in goal, while veteran star Mel Whitworth is returning to medal-wining form in defence.
Bec McCormick was steady in the midfield to rakc up another fine game and the return of ‘Dislocation Dory’ added further sharpness.
Best: C. Bevan, M. Whitworth, J. Sands, B. McCormick.
Goals: J. Sands 23, A. Belton 8, M. Dory 6.
B Grade
Monbulk 52 d Wandin 21.
THE free flow of play gave some insight to the quality of the sides, but Monbulk had greater depth and dominated the court through fine work from Beth Stubbs and Lisa Boyle.
Their work was topped off by a potent forward set up led by Jo Rutherford and the determined Emma Mullinder, with Kate Mitchell showing her versatility by also shooting 7 goals.
Best: J. Rutherford, K. Mitchell, L. Boyle, B. Stubbs.
Goals: J. Rutherford 27, E. Mullinder 18, K. Mitchell.