ROUND 3
BOX HILL HAWKS V COBURG
BOX HILL CITY OVAL
SATURDAY 25TH APRIL
The Burgers turned up to Box Hill City Oval on Anzac Day and faced a fired up Box Hill side. Coburg had not lost to the Hawks since 2004, and in freezing wintery conditions the boys were keen to keep that record intact. A solid wind favoured the end the Hawks kicked to in the first term, but the breeze proved not to be a key factor as play continued throughout the day.
Trent Cotchin was back from injury playing his first game for 2009, and looked smooth for the Tigers as he set up the Burgers first major of the day. The Hawks had more possession of the ball in the first, but the Burgers were able to capitalise on their scoring opportunities and went into the first break trailing by just a solitary behind.
Quarter Time: Coburg Tigers 3.1 (19) Box Hill 3.2 (20)
The second quarter started badly for the Tigers as key players Jay Schultz and Jake King were involved in a head on collision forcing both players to leave the field. Fortunately both returned in the third term. However the quarter didn't really improve as the Hawks kicked away to a 22 point lead at the main change. The margin could have been even greater had it not been for the great work from Jarrod Silvester and Andrew Raines in defence, both boys won the contested ball and cut off the hawk attacks.
Half Time: Coburg Tigers 5.3 (33) Box Hill 8.7 (55)
Troy Simmons who was close to best on ground with 23 disposals and 27 hit outs, moved forward in the third term booting two goals. Nick Liddle was also instrumental in the third term with his tackling and work at the stoppages a standout. Jay Schultz returned to the ground in the third term and provided a great target up forward marking well and finishing with three second half majors. The Burgers won the quarter and went into the last change believing they were a great chance to run over the Hawks in the final term to snatch victory.
3 Quarter Time: Coburg Tigers 9.4 (58) Box Hill Hawks 11.9 (75)
Richmond's 2009 first draft pick Tyrone Vickery was a focal point at Centre Half Forward. He led and marked well finishing with three majors for the day. Young Andrew Duhau, from the TAC Cup, was elevated to the Burger side this week and showed he could match it at the top level with a fine gutsy performance, while Nat Caruso was also hard around the stoppages all day.
The Burgers battled hard in the final term but couldn't cut the margin that saw the Hawks run out 19 point victors.
This Sunday sees the Burgers return home to ABD Group Stadium to take on the Casey Scorpions on Saturday May 2nd. The game will be broadcast live on the ABC starting at 1.10pm, while the reserves begin at 10.20am
Final Scores
Coburg Tigers 3.1 5.3 9.4 12.6 (78)
Box Hill Hawks 3.2 8.7 11.9 14.13 (97)
Goal Kickers: J. Schulz 3, T. Simmonds 3, T. Vickery 3, T. Hislop 2, A. Browne
Best Players: N. Liddle, J. Schulz, T. Simmonds, A. Duhau, T. Vickery, G. Carrick
RESERVES
Unfortunately the Burger reserves also had a loss on the weekend. Similar to the senior game the Hawks led at each change and ended up 27 point winners. Kayne Pettifer was back to his best form while Dean Putt dominated in the ruck and around the ground. Jacob Hislop was also instrumental finishing with three majors. All three boys could see themselves elevated into the senior side next week.
Coburg Tigers 3.3 7.4 9.6 12.10 (82)
Box Hill Hawks 3.5 9.8 11.11 16.13 (109)
Goal Kickers: J. Hislop 3, R. Allan 2, N. Cattapan 2, J. Bassi, K. Pettifer, C. Hughes, G. Polak, T. Groves
Best Players: K. Pettifer, D. Putt, J. Hislop, R. Jordon, M. Ambrose, N. Cattapan
By Glenn Robertson
Last Modified on 30/10/2009 21:59