Warby’s hopes fading

By Carli Mitchell
Warburton Millgrove v Wandin
WARBURTON Millgrove now sits sixth on the YVMDFL division one seniors ladder after its loss to Wandin, with hopes of playing finals fading fast. The first half was a close encounter, with both sides piling on the pressure. But after half-time Wandin broke away to gain a handy 23-point lead. Warby fought back in fourth but it wasn’t enough, going down in heartbreaking fashion by just one point.
Gembrook Cockatoo v Yarra Glen
Gembrook Cockatoo hosted Yarra Glen, and although the home side got off to a great start, Yarra Glen was always hot on its heels. The visitors were leading by half-time and their accuracy in front of goal improved as the match progressed. Gembrook wrestled back the lead in the fourth, only for the accurate Yarra Glen to prevail by a point in another thriller.
Healesville v Upwey Tecoma
Upwey Tecoma was on the back foot from the start of its match, with Healesville gaining the lead early. But the visitors ultimately took control, keeping the home side to only one goal in the second quarter while kicking four of their own. Upwey came out firing in the third, and backed that up with a strong last quarter to snare the four points and keep its finals hopes alive.
Mount Evelyn v Woori Yallock
Mount Evelyn hosted Woori Yallock, and although the home side was competitive in the first quarter, things started to unravel in the second. Mount Evelyn just didn’t stand a chance. Although inaccurate, Woori Yallock had 22 more scoring shots.
DIVISION 1 – UNDER 18
Warburton Millgrove v Wandin
Wandin travelled to Warburton and was lucky to walk away with the four points. The home side put in a gallant four-quarter effort, just falling short in a low-scoring but thrilling encounter.
Gembrook Cockatoo v Yarra Glen
Although Yarra Glen didn’t score a goal in the first quarter, the side slowly came back to provide a contest for Gembrook Cockatoo. The visitors had a handy two-goal lead in the third term but the plot had another twist as Gembrook fought back in the last, coming away with a narrow win.
Healesville v Upwey Tecoma
Upwey Tecoma started off slowly in its game against Healesville, giving up an early lead. But the deficit sparked the side into life, conceding only one goal for the second term. By the third term, Upwey had streaked ahead with a six-goal lead and went on to win comfortably.
Mount Evelyn v Woori Yallock
Woori Yallock defeated Mount Evelyn by 23 points, despite its inaccuracy in front of the big sticks. The home side started strongly but couldn’t keep up the pace.
Olinda Ferny Creek v Monbulk
Monbulk played away against Olinda Ferny Creek and provided a tough contest in the first half. But the home side found another gear from the start of the third, notching up a comfortable win, despite its inaccuracy.
DIVISION 2 – SENIORS
Yea v Emerald
Yea hosted ladder leaders Emerald on Saturday and found out first-hand why the visitors were raging flag favourites. Emerald was relentless in its demolition, kicking seven goals to nil in the first term. It went on to kick a staggering 13 goals in the second term, while keeping Yea goalless for the afternoon.
Alexandra v Kinglake
Alexandra hosted Kinglake at the weekend and cemented third spot on the ladder with a convincing win. The scores were level at the major break but Alex broke away after half-time, kicking six goals to nil and going on to win by 64 points.
Seville v Powelltown
Powelltown has squeezed into this season’s finals campaign but will have to lift if it is to be competitive against the top sides. The visitors had an embarrassing game against Seville, kicking only two goals for the game as the home side piled on 31.
Yarra Junction v Belgrave
Belgrave disappointingly fell away against Yarra Junction after a strong first-quarter showing. Junction led by seven goals at half-time and went on to win by 12 goals.