Above: Liam Barnard kicks long for the
By Ben O’Brien
THE blustery weather brought some tighter margins in first division but, at the end of the day, the favourites still got home in all five games despite the majority being pushed all the way by lower ranked opponents.
A six-goal to two final term tipped Upwey over the line against Warburton-Millgrove, 17.15 to 14.17.
Vincent Muccitelli returned to his happy hunting ground from last year, kicking nine goals and arguably being the difference between the two sides, in what was an entertaining affair at Warburton. Aaron Sutton ably supported him with five, while Iacono and Muir both kicked three for the home team.
After two consecutive losses, Monbulk were staring three in the face at three-quarter time, trailing Mt Evelyn by 11 points, before they, too, came good in the final quarter, almost doubling their score with eight goals to two to end up winning by an artificially comfortable 27 points.
No side had a standout forward on the day, with Matthew Whitty and Shaun Jones taking our BOG performances for their respective sides. The result may give other clubs some hope, but with the Hawks looking to welcome back several players in the upcoming weeks, they may be starting to get back on track.
Healesville held their hosts, Gembrook, at arm’s length all day, before eventually subduing the Brookers by 22 points, 10.15.75 to 7.11.53. Once again, goals were at a premium, and the margin could have been greater but for a Bloods’ return of two from eleven in the last quarter.
Healesville now front up to a rampant Woori Yallock outfit that has taken top spot on the ladder courtesy of a 197-point victory over Olinda-Ferny Creek, who could only mange two goals for the day – Patrick Sharp was best on ground.
In Sunday’s game, Wandin hosted Silvan, and the Bulldogs were left to rue a slow start, which saw the Cats hold a 39-point lead at the first break. Wandin spent the rest of the day trying to bridge that gap, and were not disgraced in eventually going down by 21 points.
Gary Moorcroft kicked another seven goals, while Troy Mutton got five for Wandin – Rhett Newell was best for the victors.
In the Commodore Press Second Division, Thornton-Eildon strengthened its grip on top spot, remaining undefeated with a 79-point victory over South Belgrave, 20.20.140 to 9.7.61.
After an even first term, the Shinboners put the foot down, kicking 16 goals to five from that point on to win comfortably. John Elliott kicked four goals, while Michael Lowe was the Saints’ best, whose road does not get any easier with a trip to Yarra Glen this week.
The Thunder headed north for the second time in as many weeks, and copped a fired-up Alexandra outfit who were never headed, before winning 17.10.112 to 9.8.62 and recording the Rebels’ second win on the trot.
Steve McKeon kicked four goals for Alex in a best afield performance, and was ably assisted by Neil Oakley, while Andrew Cowan battled hard all day for Yarra Glen.
That victory sets up an interesting clash this week for Alexandra against Emerald, who pushed Yarra Junction all the way before eventually succumbing in the final term by 23 points. Recruit Stanford Wanganeen kicked five for the Bombers.
In the final match of the round, Belgrave boosted their percentage with a solid win over Powelltown, before having the bye this week.
The YVMDFL will be travelling to Geelong on 2 June to take on the Bellarine Football League in senior football and the Geelong and Hampden leagues in senior netball.
Training for the squads has commenced and squads will be announced next week.
