Hawks halted by Cats
The Box Hill Hawks relinquished their winning position to be defeated by the Geelong Cats by one point.
The Box Hill Hawks let slip their winning position at half time to be defeated by the Geelong Cats by one point on Saturday afternoon at Box Hill City Oval, 12.9.81 to 11.16.82.
Geelong came out and jumped Box Hill in the first quarter after a winless start to the 2011 season. The Cats had 12 scoring shots to three in the first quarter, with their inaccuracy the only thing keeping Box Hill in the game.
The Hawks struggled to find a target around their half-forward line, handballing and running the ball out of defense but turning the ball back over to Geelong.
In a game where Box Hill lacked a key forward player, it was Tom Hawkins who was providing a headache in the Hawks’ back half. An injury to Paul Johnson early in the game saw Jarred Boumann move to the Cats’ big man Hawkins.
Box Hill worked back into the game in the second term, kicking 6.3 to the Cats 2.1, with Geelong losing the pressure that saw them dominate in the first term.
The second quarter showed a much harder match, with Hawks players throwing themselves into contests and coming out on top, going into half time with a seven point lead.
Geelong came out of their three quarter time huddle with intent, kicking the first two goals of the term and throwing the Hawks off their game.
It took a touch of class from Box Hill to kick a much needed goal in the final term, with a clearance from Rick Ladson on the run delivering to David Hale who was unmanned in the forward 50.
The later stages of the game saw crucial pieces of play.
Scores were level in the last 90 seconds of the game, Geelong with possession in their forward 50. A boundary throw-in saw Christensen slam the ball on his boot which then crashed into the post, giving the Cats a one point lead.
From the kick-out, the Hawks ran the ball down the wing which ended up in the hands of Tim Northe.
At 45 metres out and on a slight angle, his kick unfortunately failed to make to distance, which saw the ball pushed over the boundary line for a throw-in.
As the ball was thrown in, the siren sounded with the Hawks one point down on the scoreboard.
The disappointing loss saw the Hawks relinquish another potential victory after holding a winning position early in the match yet again.
Box Hill will face Frankston at Box Hill City oval on Sunday 12 June, with all Box Hill supporters encouraged to come along and show support to the Hawks.
Box Hill: 1.2/7.5/10.7/12.9.81
Geelong: 3.9/5.10/8.12/11.16.82
Goals: Wanganeen 4, Hale 2, Smith 2, Hoegel, Andrews, Cass, Jackson
Best: Ladson, Andrews, Mirra, Wanganeen, Gibson, Jackson
