By Nicola Birrrell
The sun was out and conditions near perfect at Box Hill City Oval for the Anzac clash against the Hawks. Coburg started the game strong taking home the first goal, scored by Flynn Gentile. The Lions looked polished with two seamless passages of play on both wings, resulting in our next two goals scored by Aaron Clarke and Jhye Baddeley-Kelly. Box Hill settled into the game and after two quick intercepts they scored their third and fourth goals, closing out the first quarter leading Coburg by 6 points.
The second quarter saw the Hawks continue their momentum through an early goal by Jaylon Thorpe. Despite some solid passages of play, Coburg struggled to convert scoring 3 points in a row before a turnover in the centre resulted in an easy Box Hill goal out the back by Sam Butler. Both teams struggled again to find the goals, before the Hawks eventually kicked the last two for the quarter, drawing out the lead to 27 points.
Box Hill maintained their strong first half efforts, with Sam Butler scoring his second goal in the first 30 seconds of the third quarter. After 3 consecutive behinds, Coburg registered their first goal since the first term through Daniel Johnston, who converted from a mark directly in front. Coburg remained competitive throughout the third quarter, however concluding the term with 20 scoring shots to 19, Box Hill was better able to capitalise on their opportunities, leading the lions by 29 points.
Two quick Box Hill goals to commence the fourth quarter set the scene for the remainder of the game. Box Hill kicked away, scoring 7 unanswered goals, managing to keep the Lions to just 3 points to conclude the game.
In a tough game Ben Jepson fought hard, earning himself ‘Lion of the Round’ with 33 disposals and 13 marks.
Hawthorn listed Box Hill player James Blanck was awarded the Gibbs-Lines Medal for best on ground.
We return home to Piranha Park next Sunday April 30 at 12pm to take on Geelong. We look forward to seeing as many Lions fans as possible as we fight for our first win of the season.
GOALKICKERS: Aaron Clarke (2), Sam Mason, Daniel Johnston, Flynn Gentile, Jhye Baddeley-Kelly
BEST PLAYERS: Ben Jepson, Trent Warren, Flynn Gentile, Hugo McGlashan, Lachlan Walker & Will Bella
FINAL SCORE:
Coburg: 3.2 (20) | 3.8 (26) | 6.14 (50) | 6.17 (53)
Box Hill: 4.2 (26) | 8.5 (53) | 12.7 (79) | 19.10 (124)
