BOX HILL suffered just its second loss of the VFL season, succumbing to Collingwood by two points in a thriller at Victoria Park on Saturday.
The Hawks never seemed to hit their strides as the Pies dictated proceedings, denying Box Hill of the space that they usually thrive on.
The loss was compounded by key injuries during the game, with Captain David Mirra’s day over in the first quarter with an ankle injury while Matthew Spangher similarly had his day reach a premature end due to an ankle injury in the third quarter.
Despite the loss of the key defensive duo, the Hawks managed to curtail Collingwood’s scoring, with the real impact of Mirra and Spangher's injuries being the rebounding capabilities the pair provide, as the Hawks became stagnant with their ball movement.
Ben McEvoy followed up last week’s best-on-ground performance with another, as he took advantage of the size and strength disparity he had over his opponent in the ruck.
The story of the day was evident within the first ten minutes of the game, as despite Collingwood’s dominance, the Pies couldn’t shake the Hawks outfit, until a burst of nine minutes managed to create a 17-point advantage to the Pies at quarter-time.
As has been the case all season, Box Hill responded to the challenge in the second quarter, keeping Collingwood goalless to reduce the margin to a mere five points at the main break.
With three goals to either side in the third quarter, the game was set up for a thrilling conclusion in the last term, as the Hawks trailed by a straight kick.
With 22 minutes gone in the final quarter, it was Jonathan Simpkin who managed to finally claim the lead for the Hawks, as Box Hill began to look like stealing an unlikely victory.
It wasn’t to be however, as a free kick 15 metres out from Collingwood’s goal resulted in a goal to the Pies, with the Hawks running out of time, falling short by two points.
Box Hill will take on Frankston this Saturday 4 July at Box Hill City Oval.
The Development league match kicks off at 10am and the VFL match begins at 2pm.
Scores
Collingwood 4.1 4.4 7.6 9.8 (62)
Box Hill Hawks 1.2 3.5 6.6 9.6 (60)
Goals: O’Brien 2, Whitecross, Howe, Grimley, McEvoy, Lock, Willsmore, Simpkin
Best: McEvoy, Litherland, Collins, Switkowski, Whitecross, Iles
