THE Box Hill Hawks defeated an impressive Essendon side in their round two clash at Windy Hill on Saturday afternoon, winning 12.12 (84) to 10.13 (73) as Justin Cooper reports.
In front of a packed home crowd of around 5,000 people, the Bombers took charge of the first half where their direct play was causing problems for the Hawks. The Bombers led by 14 points, with the likes of Tayte Pears working well off half back, and Nathan Lovett Murray working well out of the middle.
A seven goal to one third term by Box Hill put them in a commanding position going into the final term, up by 24 points, with Essendon appearing stunned by the challenge by the Hawks.
Key forwards Tom Gordon (4 goals) and Matt Spangher (2 goals) did the damage as speedy Bomber Cory Dell’Olio (4 goals) and Will Hams (2 goals) headed the scoreboard for the home side.
The Bombers got within four points in the last term after the Hawks got out to a 30-point lead. Consecutive goals to Hams, Dell’Olio, Hal Hunter and Josh Toy saw the Bombers within a kick, and the Hawks were in danger of being overrun in the final term for the second week in a row.
But the Hawks managed to kick the last goal before full time through Gordon to ensure an 11-point win on the road.
The Hawks were well serviced by Angus Litherland, Kyle Cheney, David Mirra and Brian Lake down in defense, whilst Gordon’s four goals were backed up by multiples to Amos Frank, Spangher and Shane Savage.
In Round 3, the Bombers host the Casey Scorpions, while the Hawks trek down to Simonds Stadium to tackle Geelong in the ABC TV game.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 15/04/2013 16:15