May 25, 2008
From the Sunday Age
Reported by Michael Sharkie
Reported by Michael Sharkie
Full article Click here
WILLIAMSTOWN consolidated its position at the head of the VFL ladder yesterday, trouncing a spirited but depleted Box Hill at Burbank Oval 23.15 (153) to 13. 12 (90).
The match may have shaped as a mismatch, with Williamstown — the second-best offence in the VFL — unbackable favourite against the Hawks, the worst-ranked defensive team. But early on, at least, the game proved an entertaining contest, with the young Hawks throwing everything they had at the flag favourite, before the match reverted to script.
Continuing its good first-quarter form, Box Hill jumped the ladder leader early and successfully strangled Williamstown\'s running play with intense pressure through the middle, forcing the usually composed Seagulls into committing repeated turnovers. To make matters worse, Williamstown lost key forward Wayde Skipper to a knee injury late in the first term, leaving the bulk of the forward work to ex-Magpie Jason Cloke.
