Hawks pip Burras

By Ben O’Brien
AFTER last week’s less-than-impressive performance by the underdogs in the Compass Group First Division, this week saw a marked improvement from the five sides that copped beltings in Round 15.
Warburton exploded out of the blocks against Monbulk, kicking eight goals to five in the opening term to hold an unlikely 14-point lead. The Hawks then slipped into gear to be seven points in front at the main break, and then put the foot down over the final two quarters to eventually win by a ‘hard-fought’ 62 points. Chris Hughson was best for Monbulk, while his efforts were matched by Burras’ evergreen Terry Walker.
Silvan accounted for Mt Evelyn by 110 points, but only held a 22-point lead at half-time. Gary Moorcroft’s final (and twelfth) goal for the day was also his 100th for the year, the first YVMDFL player to reach that mark in 2007. Even so, Marc Bullen received BOG honours, while Kane Jones’ five goals against quality opposition were a highlight for the Rovers.
Wandin got back on the winners list, with a determined 39-point win over an improved Olinda outfit. Dave Crellin and Matthew Lang each kicked three goals for the Dogs and Kirk Irvin got a couple for Olinda.
Gembrook hosted Upwey (without Craig Clarke) and the signs were not good for the home side at half-time, facing a 47-point deficit. To the Brookers’ credit, they actually outscored the Tigers in the second half, to eventually succumb by 35 points.
Michael Charles kicked seven goals and was best afield, while coach Damien Rhind led from the front for Gembrook.
The final match was between second and fifth, and saw the closest result for the weekend, with Woori Yallock getting over Healesville (just) by four points. The Tigers overcame a 22-point margin at the final break, kicking five goals to one to deprive the Bloods’ of a morale-boosting win.
Simon Gordon was the leading goalkicker with six goals for Healesville, while Dermott Brereton kicked three for Woori.
In the Commodore Press Second Division, Yarra Glen suffered an almost inevitable letdown after a big couple of weeks, and South Belgrave were ready and waiting to take full advantage – the result, a 48-point win to the Saints.
South held a 26-point lead at quarter time, and never really looked back. Stephen O’Meara was their best, and was ably assisted by five goals from Rob Makinson. That result sees the Thunder’s hopes of a top-3 spot virtually evaporate, with the side now in fifth spot.
Yarra Junction leapfrogged them (until their bye this week) courtesy of a comfortable win over Powelltown, with Tyson Wheeler kicking 10 goals in a BOG performance.
Those goals see three players (with two goals between them) at the top of the goalkicking ladder (Selkrig on 62, and Hall and Wheeler both on 60).
Thornton didn’t hit top gear until the second half against Seville and ended up winning by 55 points, in an even team performance, in a confidence booster before this week’s clash against likely finals’ opponent, Belgrave.
Ladder leaders Alexandra were just too good for Emerald, winning 20.12 to 7.8. Another goalkicker got best afield honours, this time Marcus Hill with eight, with youngster Leigh McCombe being the Bombers’ best in a learning experience for the club. The Rebels will be looking for a big percentage boost next week against Powelltown in their final game for the year, and their last chance to lock away top spot.
The Sticks Veterans semi-finals took place on Sunday, with the favourites winning both semis – Warburton accounting for a determined Emerald by an even 2 goals, while Croydon North moved through to another grand final in two weeks, with a 36-point win over Mt Evelyn.