Sandringham looked blue literally and metaphorically after falling agonizingly short by just five points to a rampaging Box Hill side in the final quarter as Brittany Shanahan reports.
In the slippery conditions the Zebra’s were decimated by injuries that limited their bench rotations, which the Hawks were notably utilising to their advantage.
The Hawks got off to a flying start in the scrappy conditions and had eight goal kickers for the day. Lisle continued to impress with three goals to accompany his 16 possessions.
Hawk young gun Luke Andrews was impressive chalking up 23 possessions and six tackles. Well above his teammates average at just the tender age of 19.
Whilst Brett Peake was raking up one of 19 possessions for the day, teammate Will Johnson’s shoulder had popped out in the contest. Fans squirmed as he was taken off the ground and no longer took part in the match.
Sandringham thought all their bad luck was behind them until Tom Lynch was involved in a sickening collision with Hawk Adam Pattison, requiring the stretcher to be called.
Minutes to go and the two sides drew level. Putting everything on the line Sandringham had snatched the lead and most observes conceded they had won the match. Much to the crowd’s surprise the Hawks kicked two unanswered goals – the sealer to Haydn Kiel - to finally snatch the four points.
Box Hill coach Damian Carroll was ecstatic with the win after failing to secure the four points in recent weeks, and is beginning to think the Hawks can soon challenge the best of the competition.
“Our attitude was really good all day. Our commitment at the footy was good and it would’ve been a little bit of an injustice if we had of lost,” Carroll said.
“Thankfully we got the win which we needed today.”
“Sandringham is a quality side that never gives in. They were sensational. They had injuries as well and they pushed right through to the end.”
With moments to go and scores level, the heartache sparked from the 47-point loss to Werribee haunted Carroll standing hopelessly on the sidelines as the number of injuries increased.
“Even the last kick they had just missed the goals and it could’ve gone either way. We will certainly breathe a sigh of relief,” Carroll explained.
“We probably got out of it ok with Ben Fagan a little bit sore but most of the other boys just general soreness.
“When it is so close everyone is throwing themselves in even harder at the ball. The game was played in really good spirit.”
The return of Rick Ladson to the Hawks impressed Carroll as he rotated his bench heavily and provided opportunities to the young guns selected in the side.
“He was terrific with his ability to get the footy but also his attitude was sensational. He really bought into what we are trying to do down here in terms of playing for each other and being united.
“The win was important for us and I think a lot of the younger guys have come in and got experience and games under their belt; David Mirra, Luke Andrews, both 19-year-olds.
“Fresh legs were pretty important because Sandy came from 3 goals behind to nearly snatch it. At the same time our guys were pretty fresh all day on a pretty heavy ground.”
Carroll wants the Hawks to achieve consistent success till seasons end and hopes it all stems from Saturday’s win against Sandringham.
“We had a win but now we have to focus on the big challenge next week against North Ballarat.
“We just have to keep consistent and get a little bit of form running into the second half of the season.”
Luke Breust finally got his opportunity to play in the Hawthorn senior side last round against St Kilda and Carroll wished him all the best when he took on the big boys.
“We wish him all the best. He has been in Box Hill’s system for three years now so really proud to see him get through into a senior position,” Carroll concluded.
The Hawks will travel to play North Ballarat and Sandringham will enjoy a much-needed break with a bye this week.
Last Modified on 18/05/2011 14:33