Monbulk hit form

By Ben O’Brien
THE favourites all saluted in Round 6 of the Compass Group First Division of the YVMDFL on the weekend, with the narrowest margin being 42 points (not that it is all that narrow).
After a couple of more difficult weeks, Monbulk found some form against Warburton-Millgrove, but it took until the second half for them to shake off the persistent Burras, before winning by 78 points.
Dunstan and Creed (5 goals) were best for Monbulk, while evergreen Terry Walker led the way for Warburton, whose tough run continues in a fortnight, at home to Silvan.
The Cats hosted Mt Evelyn, and set the tone from the opening quarter, establishing a 58-point lead by the first break. Despite the best efforts of Cam Carmody, the Rovers couldn’t make any impression on the deficit and eventually succumbed, 36.21.237 to 5.8.38.
Haynes (12 goals) and Moorcroft (8) were trumped by Kit Dale for best-on-ground honours.
Wandin’s run of good from continued, and they were too good for Olinda-Ferny Creek, in what turned into a high-scoring affair at the Kennel, with nearly 50 goals being kicked — the final scoreline read 33.14 to 15.12, in favour of the Bulldogs.
Bonsak and Brisbane each kicked six for the winners and Phil Skenderis kicked one more (7) for Olinda. After a slow start, Wandin are starting to get some wins on the board and must fancy their chances over the next month to add to that tally.
It was another high scoring affair at the Dome, with only 2 points separating Upwey and Gembrook at half time. The Tigers got going after that, though, kicking 16 goals to 7 to run out winners by a healthy 53 points.
The final game looked to be the closest of the round, on paper at least, and that was the way it turned out, with Woori Yallock holding Healesville at arm’s length all day to preserve their unbeaten record, 14.18.102 to 9.6.60.
In an even team performance, Dallas Spencer and Tim Williamson were best for the Tigers, while Eugene Hennig and Lachlan Arthurson did likewise for Healesville.
In the Commodore Press Second Division, ladder leaders Thornton-Eildon head into the week off undefeated, having easily accounted for Seville at home, 27.18.180 to 10.4.64.
Ryan Hall strengthened his grip on the goalkicking table, with seven goals, while Phillip Fisher was BOG – Daniel Williams (3 goals) was Seville’s best, who will be looking to regroup when the competition resumes.
Alexandra’s good run continued, with a solid 30 point win over Emerald at Avonsleigh. After a promising first half, the Bombers led by 35 points at the break, but could only manage two goals in the second, while the Rebels stormed home with an inaccurate 10.21 – it was more than enough to take the points, making it three in a row for the visitors.
Yarra Glen also had too much firepower for South Belgrave, winning 21.16.142 to 10.8.68. Yarra Junction hosted Powelltown and the results was what was expected when the bottom team plays one vying for the top of the ladder.
The competition will take a break this coming weekend as representative teams travel to Geelong to take on the Bellarine FL in senior football (11.30am), and Geelong and Hampden in senior netball (11am), with all matches taking place at Skilled Stadium and surrounds.