Monbulk go down fighting

ALL four of Monbulk’s junior cricket teams were defeated in round 10 on Saturday, the last day of the home and away cricket season.
The U17s ended their up and down year at Knox Gardens where the home side posted a hefty 3 for 159.
Despite a good start by Josh Bolton and Justin Creed (36), Monbulk’s batting was brittle and they were all out for 98.
The U15s tough year did not dampen their enthusiasm and at home to Ferntree Gully they did well to restrict the visitors to 7 for 107.
Jayden Tuakeu got two of the wickets. Brad Hilton (33 not out) then led the way as Monbulk had a go at the target and got to 7 for 88.
It was a similar story at Upper Ferntree Gully where the U13/2s needed to get 93 for the win.
Darby Maling (20) and Bryce Lees (13) batted well but a string of ducks saw the team all out for 82.
Finally, at the high school, the U13/1s hosted top side Eildon Park. Batting first Monbulk made 4/97, with Liam Mackin top scoring with 20 not out and Nick Keegan getting 19.
Unfortunately it was not enough and the visitors got home with the loss of only 2 wickets.
However, with 7 wins for the season Monbulk finished 3rd on the ladder and next week face the challenge of a semi-final against Johnson Park.