Hawks scratch a win in Wandin’s kennel

By Gary Wragg
Seniors
MONBULK’S penchant for coming from behind was almost addressed on Saturday after they initially raced out to a telling 30-point lead, but then had to stage a dramatic fightback when Wandin established their own 15-point lead before the Hawks eventually took over in the last quarter.
Wandin’s ‘kennel’ had long been the nemesis for the Hawks and it was no surprise that the Bulldogs had high hopes of a victory. Coach Chris Hughson had primed the Hawks in an effort to finally make a good start and Monbulk responded, running up a big lead in the first quarter. Justin Creed manufactured opportunities for the strong aerial work of Langworthy, Cleven and Wragg to expose Wandin’s defence.
Using Oxley as a focal point, Wandin hit back with successive six-goal quarters and the Hawks were suddenly scrapping to stave off defeat.
The Bulldogs were getting plenty of drive from Grayling, Bayliss and Crellin, but with many of the Hawks’ big names well covered, it fell to Creed, Klepp, Haley and Wragg to try to stem the tide.
Holding a 15-point lead and cruising midway through the third, Wandin looked home.
But they could not contain the creative young Creed who ignited the Hawks to a barnstorming finish. He combined brilliantly with Wragg whose domination up forward yielded 10 goals to move Monbulk further from danger.
Monbulk 20.15.135 defeated Wandin 15.13.103.
Best: Wragg, Creed, Klepp, Taylor, Haley, Cleven.
Goals: Wragg 10, Langworthy, Creed, C. Hughson, Cleven 2, Comfort, White 1.
Reserves
MONBULK, although firmly settled into third place, was keen to consolidate against a struggling Wandin and set about dismantling any semblance of resistance from the opening bounce.
Despite dominating play, the Hawks early inaccuracy frustrated their efforts until Brooks, Tate Seamer and Armstrong finally adjusted their radar.
The Hawks system and ball movement was initiated by creative work from Fraser, who received great support from O’Neill-Akker, Den Hartog and the rangy Jake Sands. Wandin worked hard in close, but Monbulk’s speedy outrunners in Taylor and Wright swept up every loose ball and found ample targets up forward.
Coach Calcagno seemed to invoke a mercy rule when veteran defender Armin Richter goaled and was immediately benched, but the Hawks continued to run over the Bulldogs for a comprehensive victory.
Monbulk 22.16.148 defeated Wandin 4.2.26.
Best: Fraser, Den Hartog, Sands, Taylor, Wright, Akker-O’Neill.
Goals: Brooks 5, Seamer 3, Wright O’Neill-Akker, Armstrong, Bartlett 2, Boyle, Richter, Jones, Taylor 1.
Netball – A Grade
MONBULK kept finals hopes alive with a resounding win over Wandin, despite some early shooting nerves from ace forward Jamie Sands.
The Hawks swift court coverage soon established a solid lead and with Mel Whitworth back to her best in defence, the opportunities came thick and fast. Jo Rutherford capped off another great game with steady shooting while youngster Amber Aitken continued to impress.
Wandin never acceded, and kept the Hawks on their toes, but fine work from Beth Stubbs and Katrina Wragg kept Wandin well in check.
Monbulk 50 defeated Wandin 25.
Goals: Jo Rutherford 28, Jamie Sands 22.
Best: Mel Whitworth, Amber Aitken, Beth Stubbs, Katrina Wragg.
B Grade
IN the boil over of the round, Wandin shunted Monbulk from top position after taking the early initiative and gradually racking up the goals in a low scoring affair.
Monbulk were well off song, frustrating potential scoring opportunities with some indecisive passing. Sally Moody and Lisa Boyle worked hard to get the Hawks back in a rhythm, but Wandin proved too keen on the day and emerged as comfortable winners.
Wandin 30 defeated Monbulk 21.
Goals: Cindy Downey 15, Grace Sands 6.
Best: Sally Moody, Lisa Boyle, Leonie Taylor, Jamiel Salter.