BOX Hill Hawks have soared to the top of the VFL ladder after a formidable 62-point demolition of Williamstown at Burbank Oval on Sunday.

Beginning the round in a five-way scrap for first place, the Hawks now sit a game clear in first position while also having the luxury of having at least a game in hand over the chasing pack.

Fielding a side boasting 17 Hawthorn-listed players, Box Hill out-classed their opposition right from the word go, with superior skills and almost clinical precision in front of goal proving too much for the Seagulls to match.

Ruckman Ben McEvoy proved vital for the Hawks, with his influence in the middle providing limitless opportunities for his forwards.

James Sicily and Sam Grimley proved the beneficiaries of his work, each finishing with a bag of five goals.

Matt Spangher was also a rock in defence for the Hawks, as he routinely cut off opposition forays forward while also rebounding with great effect.

Despite Box Hill’s domination over the course of the day, the Hawks were on the rope within the opening 20 minutes as Williamstown locked the ball deep within their half.

Only inaccuracy in front of goal prevented the Seagulls from opening up a significant lead, while no such problems were experienced at the Box Hill end, with any chance capitalised on.

With all the play and nothing to show for it, it was Sicily who delivered the crushing blows to the Seagulls late in the first term, booting three goals in 10 minutes with some sublime aerial technique to open up a 21-point advantage at quarter time.

From that point on, Williamstown never looked like getting back into the game, as the Hawks’ tall forwards monstered their opponents in the air and on the lead.

With the Hawks now sitting on top of the ladder, they will now look to consolidate the position on Saturday 27 June when they travel to Victoria Park to take on Collingwood.

Scores

Williamstown   1.4   3.5   5.10   8.12    (60)
Box Hill Hawks  5.1  9.3   13.6   19.10  (122)

Goals: S. Grimley 5, J. Sicily 5, T. O'Brien 3, A. Woodward, B. Whitecross, D. Willsmore, S. Switkowski, B. McEvoy, J. Anderson
Best: B. McEvoy, J. Simpkin, J. Sicily, M. Spangher, S. Collins, B. Whitecross