Reigning premiers North Ballarat showed they were a force to be reckoned with at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Hawks 13.7.85 to 14.12.96.

In an evenly contested game, the Hawks didn’t let the Roosters get off to a good start. Box Hill spent more time in their forward half than the Roosters but weren’t able to put the scoreboard pressure on.

Box Hill were linking up well around the ground using chains of handballs and short sharp passes throughout the first half, with the Hawks playing some amazing football.

Box Hill’s high kicking efficiency was a major factor in their half-time lead, hitting targets all over the ground in contrast to the Roosters’ poor skills.

The Hawks came out a different side in the second half, losing their intent and desire to fight for the ball, while North Ballarat showed why they have been the best side in the competition for the past two and a half seasons.

The Hawks were put under constant pressure by the Roosters and as a result the ball hardly got into Box Hill’s forward 50 in the third term.

It was a poor third term from the Hawks who seemed to once again lack consistency.

After losing the third term by 31 points and being down by 20 at the final break, the Hawks came out and restored some pride and respect by pushing the Roosters to the limit, going goal-for-goal in the final term but still went down by 11 points.

Box Hill face the Northern Bullants next Saturday 23 July at Box Hill City Oval.

Box Hill: 2.1/7.4/10.4/13.7.85
North Ballarat: 2.3/5.7/12.12/14.12.96

Best: Jackson, Boumann, Gibson, Pattison, Morton
Goals: D. Wanganeen 2, S. Grimley 2, T. Schneider 2, J. Lewis , L. Andrews , S. Gibson , B. Monkhorst , C. Young , R. Ladson , R. Jackson