Development Lions beaten by ruthless Box Hill

Best: Thomas, Easton, MacDonald, Miles, Madden, Rogers
Goals: Robinson, Easton, Tang, Hunt, Miles, Cleary, Madden, Sturgess
The Development Lions struggled to contain the fast-starting, accurate Hawks, who ran away with the game late to win by 57 points at Piranha Park on Saturday afternoon.
Tom Miles was a constant presence around the ground for the Lions, finishing with 28 disposals (17 contested) and a goal. Nathan Thomas (24 possessions) constantly looked to surge forward and was a clearance machine for the Burgers. He was well assisted by Josh Totino and Andrew Sturgess, who worked hard for his 24 touches but went off with what looked like a serious knee injury in the last term.
Box Hill took advantage of the Lions’ slow start, booting two quick goals to take an early lead. Sturgess – who was very lively early – snapped well to give Coburg their first. Poor decision-making and ball use, however, in the defensive 50 allowed the Hawks to score easily and take control of the game.
Box Hill continued to hurt the Lions in the second term with their ruthlessly accurate conversion. The Burgers struggled to get the ball forward but eventually broke through with well-taken goals by Jordan Easton and Jai Robinson.
Ben Sortino’s quick hands to Cody Mance set up Michael Tang’s late goal but the home side still went into the main break down by 30 points.
Fantastic coast-to-coast transition set up Miles before Joel Madden, Ruairi Cleary and Liam Hunt helped the Burgers put together a four-goal run. But, again, Box Hill hit back with timely goals to ensure their lead remained intact and healthy.
Despite being under pressure all day, Jordan Rogers was a composed figure down back for Coburg. He constantly found targets with safe, short kicks on both feet and helped kill the ball as last defender.
It was all Box Hill in the last, with the Hawks kicking away to win comfortably.
Cleary went off late with an injury to his left shoulder.