Paul Bartlett of Monbulk flies over Silvan Cat Brent Loughton.THE long-awaited battle between local powerhouses Monbulk and the Silvan Cats began as a test of forward supremacy and ended with Monbulk kicking the goals and then taking the points at the small Silvan ground.
In a game highlighted by a feast of forward power, Silvan’s big guns Mazins, Moorcroft, Loughton and Heffernan faced off against the Hawks Bragg, Tolliday and Fraser. Moorcroft’s scintillating run for a long goal was the highlight of a stunning first quarter that yielded 11 goals and a single minor, giving Silvan a narrow five point lead at the end of the quarter.
With the scores tied up, the frenetic opening gave way to a war of attrition as defences tightened. Comfort, then Fraser extended the lead to 13 points as the indicators began to edge Monbulk’s way.
Sensing the danger, Silvan stoutly defended at the opening of the second half, frustrating the Hawks midfield dominance. Goals were now at a premium and it took sensational work from Tolliday’s ruck tap to Fraser who speared a handball for Gee to break the deadlock.
In stark contrast to the accuracy of the first half, the quarter had produced 11 behinds with only three majors, and Monbulk now enjoying a handy 20-point margin.
With the steam running out of the Cats, Monbulk blew the final margin out to a telling 41 points, maintaining its winning run over their talented neighbours.
Best: Monbulk: Shannon Koole, M. Hughson, S. Liebe, A. Gee. Silvan: G. Moorcroft, Gresham, Hopkins, Straughair.
Goals: Monbulk: Wragg 4, Tolliday 3, Fraser, Gee, Mullinder 2. Silvan: Mazins, Heffernan, Moorcroft 3, Loughton 2.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:Reserves
MONBULK eventually subdued a powerful Silvan side in a high-standard clash at Silvan.
Silvan goaled within 15 seconds of the opening bounce but Monbulk answered with three.
Monbulk dominated the final term but was sadly astray with 3.8 as its reward.
Best: R. Arnott, D. Alenson, T. Seamer, R. Mitchell, S. Woolf.
Goals: Arnott 3, Adams, Brown, Ford 2.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:Under 18
MONBULK showed some signs of recovering its spirit and system with a solid win over Silvan on Saturday.
Despite being in control all day, the Hawks poor kicking kept Silvan in the game, but Monbulk was able to pull away in the final stages to record a good win.
Best: T. Wright, T. Seamer, D. Cleven, M. Cecchin, M. Coen.
Goals: M. Coen 3, M. Cecchin 2.
