HAWTHORN Monash University kept its finals chances alive after shooting out Essendon for 155 on Saturday.

With Windy Hill living up to its name, the Bombers batted on a wicket that appeared to have some life for the seamers. Miller took the first wicket after an edge was taken by keeper Cookson, who claimed four catches in the innings. Spoljaric then had MacRae caught by Alleyne at short cover with the score at 2-23 in the 10th over.

From there Miller 3-47 and Spoljaric 4-44 destroyed the top order with Essendon reeling at 7-94 at lunch.

Dart, 2-17, also had immediate impact when introduced to the attack, claiming the key wicket of Fletcher, caught by debutant Ross Veitch at mid-off. Following the break, Matthew Hewat 1-27, and Miller each claimed a wicket but the Bombers put on 49 before being dismissed 155.

In the run chase, Darren Dewar was caught at slip for a duck while Ben Stallworthy, 23, provided solid support to David Alleyne, 72, in a partnership of 74 before Stallworthy was adjudged leg before.

Alleyne was in full stride, striking several boundaries through the off side, and then in the same over from Berger, struck two drives over the fence for six. Dart was caught behind for five with the score at 3-86.

Spoljaric, 15 not out, joined Alleyne and they both played with solid defence. Another bowling change saw Alleyne drive on the up with the catch caught at deep cover. Dale Tormey, 1, walked across his stumps to lose leg stump. Keith Perumal saw out the remaining deliveries with the Hawks 5-120 at stumps on the first day.

SCOREBOARD

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN-MONASH UNIVERSITY

Essendon 1st innings

R SILLENCE c Cookson b Miller .. 6

B MACRAE c Alleyne b Spoljaric .. 8

A MATO c Dart b Miller .... 6

L KENNEDY c Cookson b Spoljaric .. 2

C BERGER b Spoljaric .... 7

B FLETCHER c Veitch b Dart .. 27

B HUTCHINSON c Dart b Spoljaric .. 0

D McKAY c Cookson b Miller .. 30