THE Box Hill Hawks have emerged victorious after a thrilling six-point win over Sandringham on Sunday in the inaugural Blue Ribbon Cup match, as Nick Ciantar reports.
The Hawks’ ability to hang on was highlighted in the dying seconds when Matt Spangher took a match-saving mark among a huge pack of players.
In typical cold, wet Melbourne weather, the Zebras and Hawks fought furiously in a rugged first quarter.
Sandringham took the tall forward approach again with Spencer White, Justin Koschitzke, Tom Lee and Tom Simpkin stretching the Hawks’ defence.
Spangher was awarded the Silk-Miller medal after his later heroics and for keeping the influential White goalless for the afternoon.
Myke Cook (29 disposals, 5 tackles) was awarded the same medal for Sandringham for his work off half back, continually carving a path through the centre-square.
The Zebras and Hawks battled hard in the first half until the Hawks broke-open a leaky Sandringham defence. Sandringham Assistant Coach Brendan Allen said after the game that the coaches were disappointed with the team’s structures.
“Structurally at times we were poor,” he said.
“We were trying to do a few different things with the way Box Hill were setting up around stoppages and it went against us.”
The Hawks got out to a 17-point lead at the main break and their ball use was far superior to that of the Zebras.
Terry Milera (five goals) got the first major in the third quarter but the Hawks continued to persist against an error-ridden Sandringham side.
Sam Grimley goaled after two Zebra players fell over each other and suddenly the Hawks had two quick goals to extend the margin to 26.
Halfway through the third quarter the Zebras finally started to find their rhythm. Cook’s ability to break the lines helped his side kick four consecutive goals to lead by one-point at the last break.
Hawks coach Damian Carroll demanded his players lift in the final term and his troops delivered.
The Hawks kicked the first four goals of the quarter and the match was seemingly over.
But the Zebras refused to give in and with the next three goals, the game was back up for grabs.
Jay Lever had a chance to make it one point with a minute left, but missed from a tight angle in the pocket.
The Hawks’ backline stood tall throughout, led by Spangher, Michael Osborne and Daniel Pratt.
Matt Northe was another strong contributor, marking everything up forward to finish with three goals.
Sam Iles was smooth in the midfield with 23 disposals and Luke Lowden did his job in the ruck against Koschitzke and Jay Lever.
Mitch Hallahan was tough in the midfield and Kyle Cheney was solid as usual.
Allen said after the match that the first five minutes of the last quarter had cost them, but that they would take some positives from the match.
“I thought Brodie Murdoch did a fantastic job on (Xavier) Ellis. He kicked three goals, had 20 odd touches and Ellis only had 12-14 disposals and didn’t have any effect on the game.
“Adam Cockie late, especially, was inspirational.”
Box Hill faces Werribee away next Saturday while Sandringham travels to Frankston on Sunday to take on the Dolphins.
The Blue Ribbon Cup match played in memory of Victoria Police members Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller, who were killed in the line of action in 1998.
The Hawks v Zebras clash will be used annually to remember the loss of police officers in Victoria.
Picture: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 17/06/2013 13:39