Development Side Take Convincing Win Against Northern Blues

The Box Hill Development team recorded a 37-point win against the Northern Blues yesterday at Box Hill City Oval to cement a top of the ladder position.

The Development squad started strongly, kicking an impressive five goals to the Northern Blues’ two in the first quarter. Hawthorn’s Alex Woodward made his return to football with a remarkable 13 disposals for the quarter, notching up a total of 18 for his half of footy.

The tackling pressure from both sides was a standout, with both teams recording 18 in the first term. Whilst the Blues dominated the hitouts for the quarter, Box Hill managed to win the clearances and work the ball inside their forward 50 two more times than the Blues.

The second term saw the Hawks kick a massive seven goals. By laying 15 tackles to the Blues’ 6, Box Hill were able to control the tempo of the game and play it on their terms.

Working hard around the ground, the Hawks won the contested footy and tackle count for the day, showing their pressure around the ball. The team’s intensity remained throughout the last quarter and Box Hill was able to put together a four-quarter effort to seal the win.

Box Hill’s Joseph Fisher spoke to boxhillhawks.com.au after the match yesterday about the team’s pleasing win and his return to the side.

“It was a really important game for us. Having lost to the Blues four weeks ago at our home ground – we normally don’t lose at our home ground so we really wanted to come out strong.”

“The main focus for us was pressure. We knew we needed a really high level of intensity and to get the ball moving quickly.”

“Personally it felt really good to be back out there. Due to injury I’ve missed out the last couple of weeks which has been frustrating, but it was really enjoyable out there with the boys and probably the most consistent game the team’s played in a couple of weeks.”

Next week both the Development and Senior teams return to City Oval to take on the Williamstown Seagulls in what is sure to be two hard fought contests.

 

SCORES

Box Hill:   5.1 12.2 14.7 16.10 (106)

Northern Blues: 2.0 5.1 7.1 11.3 (69)
GOALS

Box Hill: J. Sullivan 3, B. McIntyre 3, L. Langford 2, W. Murphy 2, L. Surman, C. O’Sullivan, T. Gordon, L. Williams, N. Evans, M. Traynor

Northern Blues:  A. Brown 3, J. Cyster 2, S. Bolger 2, C. Curnow, G. Strachan, D. Stevens, H. Payne
BEST

Box Hill: L. Cox, M. Lock, A. Kennedy, T. Gordon, L. Williams, W. Murphy

Northern Blues: A. Brown, D. Stevens, J. Cripps, M. Vesnaver, G. Strachan, W. Kritharis