After a slow start, the Box Hill Hawks took control of the Bendigo Bombers winning 18.15.123 to 12.13.85 by thirty-eight points at Box Hill City Oval.

Twenty two points was the deficit at quarter time, and with Bendigo running amok it looked as if the bottom placed side was on the cards to register their first victory.

But the Hawks responded from their uncharacteristic first term, to run away from a battling opposition in wet conditions.

Sam Iles took best on ground honours racking up 33 disposals but injuries to both Steve Kenna and Cameron Stokes made the victory bittersweet.

Box Hill fought hard for victory with a reduced bench after injuries to both Co-Captain Steve Kenna and Cameron Stokes depleted the Hawks run and explosive pace through the center and up-forward with Kenna straining a hamstring muscle and Stokes suffering a knee related injury.

A possible injury to Co-Captain Steve Kenna comes as a cruel loss to the Hawks as one of Box Hill’s most valuable players on-field approaching the finals.

But with the injury not as serious, Box Hill will be praying for a quick recovery with Kenna back on the field in two weeks time against Casey Scorpions.

“We take a no-risk policy with Steve because he’s such a good player,” Bolton said.

“In terms of that the bye comes at a really good time. We will manage him as best we can and hopefully he comes up.” 

Mirroring the conditions of the earlier match in Round 9, the wet conditions were likely to suit the Bendigo Bombers and playing true Box Hill were left behind early.

Jumping out of the blocks, Bendigo ran out to a twenty-two point lead at the opening change.

Steven Stroobants grabbed everything he could up forward for Bendigo kicking three first quarter goals leaving Box Hill supporters surprised at the start of the cellar-dwelling side.

With an upset looking likely, a seven goal run by Box Hill in the second term all but secured a lead which the Hawks would keep for the rest of the match.

As the conditions improved so did the Hawks moving the ball in and out of the centre creating forward play, but still Bendigo stayed in with a chance only down by 13 coming into the final term.

Knowing their top four chances were on the line, Box Hill cruised past Bendigo kicking 4 goals to one in the final term bringing up the Hawks eleventh victory.

In retrospect, Bendigo’s inaccuracy in the opening term with a strong goal breeze to the Whitehorse Road End kept Box Hill in the game.

Clawing back as seen all season, Box Hill were rewarded after looking unclean with possession and intended options in the first term.

Tim Walsh’s versatility around the ground continued working well using his height to advantage taking marks down back and rucking around the ground racking up 17 disposals and 31 hitouts.
 
Contributing again Cameron Pedersen collected 22 disposals, 15 hitouts and three goals with his progression throughout the season outstanding as a work-horse of the side in every task given.

Adem Yze (24) helped out as did Thomas Murphy (19), Ed Curnow (23) and Sam Gibson (26) with strong performances.

Gary Moss, Luke Breust and Ben Fagan were also handy with 3 goals each with Moss particularly damaging around the ground with 18 disposals.  

Encouraging signs can be seen for Box Hill with the side’s fourth win in a row and a secure position in the top four for the time being.    

Box Hill supporters agree with the Hawks performances not only this weekend but the season after a rousing response when the team entered the rooms after the break out of jail victory.

Next week, Box Hill Hawks rest with a bye in Round 19 but will come out fresh for what could possibly be against Casey Scorpions the match to decide forth spot in a gripping match at Box Hill City Oval in Round 20.

Box Hill Hawks: 2.2 / 9.5 / 14.6 / 18.15.123     
Bendigo Bombers: 5.6 / 7.7 / 11.11 / 12.13.85      

Goals: B. Fagan 3, L. Breust 3, G. Moss 3, C. Pedersen 3, S. Gibson, A. Yze, R. Milne, T. Murphy, B. Whitecross, M. Suckling

Best: S. Iles, T. Walsh, C. Pedersen, T. Murphy, S. Gibson, G. Moss