Hawks get better of Tigers

Seniors
Monbulk 16.17.113 d Upwey-Tecoma 6.10.46.
IN the past decade, two events have become synonymous with the clashes between YVMDFL heavyweights Monbulk and Upwey.
The first has been that the home side will prevail and secondly, if played at Monbulk, it will rain and rain and rain.
The maxims held true again on Saturday when Monbulk mastered the rare burst of wet weather to hand another stinging defeat to the Tigers.
A large crowd had gathered for the unveiling of both the football and netball flags in anticipation of what is becoming a ritual battle between these two great clubs.
In the senior football, both teams held only scant resemblance to the sides that met in last year’s Grand Final, but the result was eerily similar with the Hawks holding command for most of the game. Monbulk lacked key personnel in Burke, coach Hughson, Koole, Taylor, Gee and Tolliday, but Upwey had fared even worse!
In defiance of the slippery conditions on a drought-ravaged ground, and the depleted lists, the two clubs still turned on some spectacular football in a nervous season-opener.
The long, dry summer had increased Upwey’s fervour for revenge, but it soon became evident that their mission would be difficult as Monbulk assumed control for Creed and Comfort to post majors. Upwey had banked on their pace to counter the physical strength of Monbulk, but the Hawks were just too well organised. Dunstan, Vanseters and Mick Hughson were supreme in the backline; veteran utility Jarrod Clark together with youngsters Creed and Haley feasted on the packs, while Comfort ran amok across the centre.
Brilliant Tiger, Eammon Keogh provided some inspiration for Upwey, but Monbulk answered every challenge with tackling so brutal that it smothered most of the Tigers’ efforts to break away. At the halfway mark, the Hawks had opened up a compelling 41-point lead.
Stung by the onslaught, Upwey rallied in a torrid third term that suddenly put the Hawks on notice. Muccitelli won a free to trigger the revival as the Tigers, now playing in front, pressed ever forward.
Three consecutive goals had Upwey looking capable of taking it up to their tormentors. Hedge was giving first use to his young fleet of on-ballers; Keogh continued to weave his magic; youngster Godbee-Lingard all but shut down Monbulk’s forwards to allow Upwey to edge within 21 points.
The magic ended when Monbulk’s Comfort posted a long goal followed by yet another from the rampant Clark. Upwey’s great quarter had only managed to reduce the lead by 14 points, yet they still harboured hopes of a heroic final quarter. Eventually, even that spark was extinguished.
Nick Whitty and ‘Jabber’ Clark set their seal on the game as Monbulk answered Muccitelli’s opening major with a compelling six-goal burst – the last of them coming from a freakish goal on debut from youngster Michael Langworthy.
Best: Monbulk – Clark, Vanseters, Fraser, Creed; Upwey – Keogh, Godbee-Lingar, Selleck, Spence.
Goals: Monbulk – J. Clarke 6, N. Whitty 3, R. Comfort 2; Upwey – Muccitelli 3.
Reserves
Monbulk 15.13.103 d Upwey-Tecoma 11.5.71.
ANOTHER Grand Final replay saw the Hawks reverse the result against long-term nemesis, Upwey. The Hawks were superbly led by veteran Aaron Mitchell who dominated the forward line with his strength and position play.
By half time, the Hawks had opened a convincing lead of 27 points and consolidated with a solid second half that pleased their coach Guy Calcagno.
The young Tigers were spirited, but lacked the physical presence and experience of Monbulk. Shaun Brooks made his presence felt around the packs, pin-pointing Hawk team mates with precision while youngsters Tait Seamer, Alenson and Tom Wright gave an indication that they were preparing to step up into senior selection.
Best: Mitchell, Brooks, Seamer, Wright, Alenson.
Goals: Mitchell 5, Brooks, Wolfe 2.
Under 18
UPWEY jumped early kicking seven straight goals before the young Hawks regathered their composure and provided a contest for the remainder of the game against the powerful Tiger line-up.
Kieran Gray led his players with courage and focus in posting two impressive goals while Coen, Waldron, Justin Creed and Boyle stood up manfully to the Tigers.
Goals: K. Gray 2.
Best: K. Gray, J. Creed, M. Boyle, M. Coen.
Netball – A Grade
Monbulk 35 d Upwey-Tecoma 23.
YET another Grand Final rematch saw the Hawks resume the mantle of top dog in the competition. Following a tense opening, the Hawks pressed their claims with young Amy Benton the focal point in goal. Bec McCormick controlled mid-court with Shayne Broekhof, while the redoubtable Mel Whitworth assumed the appearance of a roadblock in defence.
The Hawkettes held a 4-goal lead at the final change then unleashed a 13 goal finale to record an emphatic win over archrivals, Upwey-Tecoma.
Goals: A. Benton 32, J. Samds 3.
Best: A. Benton, B. McCormick, S. Broekhof, M.Whitworth.