THE hoodoo of Wandin Reserve struck again for ladder leader Monbulk, bringing the high-flying Hawks back to earth when Wandin snatched a heroic victory in the dying moments of a gripping game.
The enigmatic Bulldogs had been incapable of closing down the lower teams, despite threatening all three top sides over the season and failing narrowly to take the points in each game.
But on Saturday their perseverance paid handsomely as they came from behind to fell the mighty Monbulk in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
In still, wet conditions, the Bulldogs closed down Monbulk’s midfield and stubbornly resisted the Hawks’ forward presses.
Wandin signalled it was ready for a fight when it opened with commendable spirit in the first half.
The Bulldogs controlled play at the stoppages, with Mitchell, Singer and Shaw lending great service to the home side.
King was dominating under the packs, relishing the absence of the Hawks’ Shannon Koole and providing constant drive for the Dogs.
Monbulk found itself confined within the small Wandin ground, unable to deliver the ball effectively to a forward line that was missing prime movers in Wragg and Fraser.
When Bonsak goaled from a free kick to take the lead midway through the second quarter, Monbulk coach Chris Hughson was forced to take the field.
His presence had immediate effect as he engineered a spate of three quick goals to put the Hawks 18 points up at the long break in a low-scoring game.
If not for the defence of Mick Hughson and the diminutive Tom Farmer, Monbulk may have been in greater peril.
Wandin’s Daniel King hit back at the lead immediately on resumption, the pressure forcing Monbulk into a series of errors.
Aided by a spate of Hawk infringements, Wandin chipped away at Monbulk’s lead and had gained the momentum, coming into the final quarter only five points in arrears.
The tension of the final quarter took its toll on both sides as each missed vital chances until Calcagno robbed the pack to give the Hawks an 11-point lead.
Singer and King struck back and suddenly Wandin held a two-point margin with minutes to go.
In a sensational finish, Wandin’s Larkman inexplicably infringed on Hicken within easy range and the ball was handed to Monbulk’s Dunstan.
Dunstan’s kick squirted across the face of goal and a desperate Wandin held out Monbulk as the siren sounded.
Wandin 8.9.57 d Monbulk 8.7.55. Best: Monbulk: Hicken, M. Hughson, Devers, Burke, Tolliday. Wandin: King, Singer, Mitchell, Shaw.
Goals: Monbulk: Gee 2. Wandin: Brisbane, King 2.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:RESERVES
MONBULK had to call on reinforcements to cover a spate of absences in the seniors, but still had little trouble disposing of sixth-placed Wandin, cruising to a 137-point win in slippery conditions.
Karl Ravenhorst was again in sparkling form up forward for the Hawks, combining with Langworthy who posted five first-half goals and set the foundations for a lead of almost 14 goals at half-time.
The experienced Jon Reid and Sasha Wolfe directed play through the corridor where Christian Fraser and Lachie Bell wreaked havoc.
Wandin defended desperately, but could do little to stem the tide.
With the ball becoming heavier, skills gradually fell away in the second half. Wandin was defiant, but could not penetrate the Hawks’ defence, which conceded a single goal for the game.
Monbulk 22.16.148 d Wandin 1.5.11. Goals: Langworthy 5, Ravenhorst 4, Morris 3, C. Mitchell, Brown, Mullinder, C. Given 2. Best: Ravenhorst, Reid, Oates, Fraser, Bell.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:UNDER 18
THE under 18s turned in their best performance for many weeks with a win over the Bulldogs, consolidating fourth position for the Hawks, three games clear of Belgrave, in the race for the finals.
Leading full forward Shaun Lucas’ bag of 12 goals brought his season tally to 42.
Gav Taylor continues to impress in his role as a leader while Mikey Coen was dynamite throughout the game.
Dean Clevan rucked superbly all day and gathered possessions all over the field, while the reliable Reece Donald put in another fine game.
Monbulk 20.14.134 d Wandin 1.3.9.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:NETBALL
TWO more wins from the netballers sees both sides continue to dominate the competition.
The A Grade team had a great win over the Doggies on a bleak wintry day.
Mel Whitworth dominated the tarmac, getting great support from Jamie Sands and Carolyn Bevan.
The game was a chance to finetune for the huge clash against Upwey next week.
Monbulk 37 d Wandin 18. Best: Mel Whitworth, Jamie Sands, Carolyn Bevan.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:B GRADE
THE team was confronted with a keen Wandin squad that applied great pressure to the Hawkettes.
Hilary Gilbert controlled her half of the court.
Emma Mullinder’s consistency has been a big factor in the success of the team and she continued that form on Saturday.
Likewise, Sienna Ressom is showing some fine form and was instrumental in the convincing win.
Monbulk 20 d Wandin 9. Best: Hilary Gilbert, Emma Mullinder, Sienna Ressom.
