The Box Hill Hawks and Coburg once again recognised the qualities of honour, mateship and sacrifice that epitomise the ANZAC spirit when they clashed for the ANZAC Day Cup on Saturday as Luke Robinson reports.
As both teams assembled in a guard of honour, the stands fell silent as the last post was played. It was not only the four points and Cup on offer, but also the ‘Gibbs-Lines’ Medal, awarded to the best and fairest player on the day - named after two former players from the respective teams who served in the Australian Defence Force.
In front of a healthy and vocal home crowd at Box Hill City Oval, the Hawks ran away with the match in the second half, booting ten goals to four to win by 28 points. Instrumental up forward for Box Hill were Liam Tobin with four goals, and Marc Lock, Pat Lawlor, Brandon Wood, Jonathon Simpkin, and Sam Iles all with two majors.
Receiving the honour of the Gibbs-Lines Medal in the Box Hill’s 28-point win was the Hawks 19-year-old VFL Academy member Brandon Wood.
Both teams used the bench frequently in the first quarter, rotating players often three at a time to ensure fresh legs. Jonathon Simpkin provided excellent run and carry through the centre for Box Hill, and Kyle Cheney was solid in defence. Derek Wanganeen was handy across the wing and forward flank. The Hawks lost a lot of ruck duels in the first quarter, and trailed by 32 points.
The Hawks rallied in the second, kicking four unanswered goals after it was goal for goal early in the term. Coburg forward Aaron Edwards was proving difficult to contain, with four first half goals. Box Hill made more of their opportunities in the second term, trailing by a solitary point heading into the main break.
Although Box Hill was sometimes cramped when in defence, they moved the ball efficiently along the wing, with their forwards leading and marking well all day. The tackling of Box Hill added pressure, and forced Coburg to turn the ball over when pressure was applied.
Jonathon Ceglar took several important marks across half-back and was solid throughout the day. Coburg’s attack on the football was lacklustre in the second half, with the Hawks looking untroubled going forward.
Box Hill kicked with the wind in the last quarter, and made sure of their victory with a three goal to nil final term to record their second win of the season.
Box Hill Hawks this week head to Bendigo on Saturday, whilst Coburg host Essendon in the ABC TV game.
Photo: Jenny Owens
Last Modified on 30/04/2013 08:21