Hawks crush Olinda

MONBULK delivered another message to its rivals that it was not about to readily relinquish the crown after another decisive win over Olinda.
A brave Olinda matched Monbulk’s intensity but found little answer to the height and cool precision of the Hawks who continually found avenues out of the congestion. The welcome return of coach Chris Hughson gave the dynamic Hawk midfield even more explosive power, while brother Mick controlled the defence.
A 35-point deficit spurred the proud Blood’s in the opening of the second quarter. However, Monbulk took a commanding 61 point lead into the long break.
Feisty Olinda rallied in the third stanza through Stevens, Greenall and Skenderis only to see Wragg and Fraser on the rampage up forward for the Hawks, inspiring another seven goal blitz.
Despite Wall’s opening goal in the last quarter, Olinda played spectator to the inclement Monbulk.
Best: Monbulk: T. Wragg, J. Fraser, S. Koole, C. Hughson, M. Hughson.
Goals: T. Wragg 8, J. Fraser 5, C. Hughson 3, M. Hughson, S. Koole, K. Ravenhorst, R. Comfort 2.
Reserves
MONBULK took full advantage of a desperately under-manned Olinda to put their season back on track, winning 194 to Olinda’s 5.
The long-awaited return of Luke Tolliday began with him taking the key forward role where his height and mobility immediately took control for the Hawks; his efforts blunted only by early inaccuracy.
The stout resistance of the first half took its toll on Olinda’s lack of numbers, when Monbulk was able to shake a tiring Olinda
Olinda were unable to register a major.
Best: Tolliday, Alenson, Fleming, Bell, B. Seamer.
Goals: Tolliday, Ford 5, Bell 4, Morris 3, Nicholas, Fleming, Brown 2.