BOX Hill Hawks have returned to the VFL winners' list following a professional 65-point victory over Frankston at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.
The Hawks’ superior skill level was evident throughout the match, as the Dolphins struggled to adapt to the difficult conditions.
Such were the deteriorating conditions, the final quarter was played with the lights on at Box Hill City Oval, as both the visibility and temperature continued to drop dramatically.
Jonathan Simpkin was best-on-ground for Box Hill, while fellow Hawk Ben McEvoy enjoyed his third-straight dominant performance in the ruck, as he man-handled whoever stood in his way.
The Hawks never allowed the Dolphins into the contest, putting on four goals to the visitors' zero in the first quarter to establish an ominous lead.
Despite the Hawks being in control for the duration of the game, Box Hill rarely reached the heights seen previously in 2015, instead seemingly only doing what was necessary to overcome their winless foe.
Senior debutant Shem Tatupu adjusted well to the flow of the game, booting two goals and impacting the contest with his physicality.
Tatupu’s pair of goals was bettered only by three goals to Alex Woodward, who managed to find more ball forward of centre as he continues his brilliant 2015 season.
Through the midfield, McEvoy, Simpkin, Sam Iles and Jonathan O’Rourke were a class above their opponents, beating their opponents to the ball and slicing the Frankston defence with slick ball movement.
The win consolidates Box Hill’s position on top of the ladder as the Hawks start their run to September.
In the development league, Box Hill also had a big win, overcoming Frankston by 122 points.
Box Hill will now host North Ballarat at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday, with the action getting underway at 1pm.
The development league side has a bye this week.
SCORES
Box Hill Hawks 4.5 7.9 11.9 15.12 (102)
Frankston 0.1 2.2 3.6 5.7 (37)
Goals: A. Woodward 3, S. Grimley 2, M. Lock 2, S. Tatupu 2, Z. Webster, B. McEvoy, D. Willsmore, M. O'Donnell, T. O'Brien, J. Simpkin.
Best: J. Simpkin, B. McEvoy, K. Heatherley, D. Willsmore, D. Howe, J. O'Rourke
