By Daniel Dufty
Box Hill has finally tamed the Tigers on ANZAC Day, winning by 19 points at Box Hill City Oval.
After a five year absence in beating Coburg, Box Hill came out convincing winners in cold and windy conditions led by Gibbs-Lines Medallist Marco Bello. Coburg trying hard all day were little too late as Box Hill wrapped up their second consecutive win for the season under the guidance of new coach Brendan Bolton.
Senior Richmond players Troy Simmonds, Tyrone Vickery and Jay Schulz were sensational for Coburg. Tom Hislop was handy up forward with two goals as Box Hill ran over the top and away with the points.
The Anzac Day clash was played in true spirit, courage and pride as both clubs knew what was on the line.
With a two to three goal wind to the Whitehorse Road end, Box Hill in the opening term got on the board through Josh Kennedy. Trent Cotchin's immediate impact set up Andrew Browne laces out, kicking Coburg's first goal in the 11th minute. With Box Hill's Ed Curnow busy early bustling through the centre and Marco Bello working well around the square, the Hawks in and under work showed in a slow scoring first quarter.
With more of the play in the first for the Hawks, Coburg converting all but one of their opportunities still loomed dangerously. Looking to continue their intensity, the Hawks through Pederson continued to kick truly. Kenna then provided a captain's goal as Box Hill's defensive pressure pushed Coburg's players across the pockets and into the boundary.
Vickery was lively all quarter and set-up Hislop, who marked a screamer and converted using the wind well to score his second goal. Jarrod Silvester cleaned up everything across the backline, keeping the Hawks at bay.
Making the most of forward entries, the Hawks kicked 5.5 to 2.2. Leading by twenty-two at the half, the Hawks controlled the scoreboard. Costly 50 metre penalties gifted the Tigers goals as the Hawks lead withered away. In the third, Troy Simmonds moved forward from his ruck duties and his teamwork with Vickery was exceptional. Kicking two in the term kept Coburg just in touching distance.
As Coburg lifted, Box Hill's Josh Kennedy continued with his great strength in traffic. Leading by seventeen at the third change, Box Hill had a memorable quarter completing the task ahead. Smithwick, Curnow and Gibson pumped through majors giving Box Hill a long awaited victory. Jay Schulz led from the front in the second half kicking three-goals continuing his good form with 10 goals in the last two weeks.
Finally, Sam Iles, after a hit in the first term, was great all day always around the football. Yze showed class in defence, while Liam Shiels set up some brilliant forward play hitting targets for shots on goal. Twenty-seven scoring shots to eighteen, Box Hill possibly could have won by more. Tim Boyle in defence for the Hawks mopped up everything in his best performance for the year to date. Coburg utility Natale Caruso was also very busy around the ball with his strength and power over the Hawks.
Next Sunday, May 3 sees the Hawks try for a hat-trick of wins in 2009 against Werribee Tigers at Barter Card Oval while Coburg hosts Casey at home with Ben Cousins likely to return.
Box Hill Hawks: 3.2 / 8.7 / 11.9 / 14.13.97
Coburg Tigers: 3.1 / 5.3 / 9.4 / 12.6.78
Box Hill Hawks: Goals: B. Smithwick 3, B. McGlynn 2, E. Curnow 2, S. Kenna 2, S. Iles, S. Gibson, L. McDonald, J. Kennedy, C. Pedersen
Best: M. Bello, A. Yze, R. Milne, S. Kenna, B. McGlynn, E. Curnow
Coburg Tigers: Goals: J. Schulz 3, T. Simmonds 3, T. Vickery 3, T. Hislop 2, A. Browne
Best: N. Liddle, J. Schulz, T. Simmonds, A. Duhau, T. Vickery, G. Carrick
Last Modified on 27/04/2009 11:23