A heartbreaking loss at Box Hill | VFL Round 12 Match Report
By Zoe Greenhill, Borough Media on June 12, 2022
Port Melbourne have seen victory slip in a thrilling game against the Box Hill Hawks on Saturday afternoon. The Borough were narrowly defeated at Box Hill City oval by a single goal.
Nick Bourke was a standout player for the day. Bourke proved his ability to attack the contest again and again with 14 disposals and 5 tackles, both above his personal average. Tom O’Sullivan played a brilliant captain’s game, laying 11 tackles throughout the afternoon, while Marcus Lentini and Eli Templeton, once again rose to the pressure of the game and both had 26 touches of the footy.
The first quarter showed some neck and neck footy. Templeton kicked the first major of the day. Cody Stackelberg was a force to be reckoned with right from the first bounce, bringing tough pressure all over the ground. A goal from Jake Gasper along with Cody Szust and his signature telephone celebration put the Borough 4 points ahead of the Hawks going into quarter time.
During the second quarter, the muddy conditions and strong wind made it difficult for Port Melbourne to keep up with the Hawks. It was 19 and a half minutes before the Borough were able to put a goal on the board through Templeton, however, Nash Holmes was quick to boot a second for the quarter and bring the margin back to 4 points Hawks way.
The third quarter saw the Hawks bring the lead out as far as 24 points, but the Borough didn’t drop the intensity. Through the second half of the quarter, Port Melbourne held a high percentage of possession and were rewarded with 4 goals and a couple of behinds enabling them to regain the lead. This lined up an intense final quarter with a second win in a row just a stretch away.
The Borough dispersed from the three-quarter time huddle all guns blazing, ready to attack for a final quarter of footy. 3 quick goals from Anthony Anastasio, Gasper and Holmes gave the Borough a 14-point lead making the win seem too easy. However, the Hawks were able to respond remarkably well and 2 goals and a behind put the scores even at the 32-minute mark. A quick clearance and mark inside 50 allowed the Hawks to sneak one more goal through and take a 6-point victory over Port Melbourne.
Port Melbourne are heading into another bye to rest and recharge before their first game under the new lights at ETU stadium against Werribee on Friday the 24th of June, the first bounce kicking the game off at 7:05pm.
Box Hill 15.12 102 defeated Port Melbourne 14.12 96
