The Box Hill Hawks were humbled by a committed Werribee side on Saturday, losing by 41 points in trying conditions.

The Hawks started well and their away form this season suggested a win was on the cards, but a poor last quarter ended any hopes they may have had.

Danny Jacobs was included in the side; he slotted in across half back and played the loose-man role for the match.

The Hawks were kicking with a slight wind in the first term and looked to have the Tigers number. Their superior skill and efficiency was most evident early on and Box Hill arguably should’ve been further in front.

Nonetheless the side took an 11-point lead into the first break.

Players like Travis Tuck, Beau Muston and Sam Gibson certainly looked a cut above their direct opponents early with their quick transition play.

The delivery to the forwards was direct and suited the Hawks setup. Just four players – Mitch Thorp, Matthew Little, Beau Dowler and Kris Shore stayed within the forward 50 isolated with their opponents.

The breeze going the Tiger’s way in the second term died down after a brief period of rain to the extent that it disadvantaged neither side.

After scarcely registering a forward 50 entry in the first term the Tigers set about rectifying the trend. They managed to strangle the Hawks run after the break, but missed a number of gettable chances.

Still they lead by three points and at half time it was anyone’s game.

The third quarter was a tight one, with the Hawks trying to make use of the aiding breeze.

Werribee did well to stem the flow of goals, limiting the Hawks to just two goals while kicking two themselves.

A silky piece of play in the third term saw Sam Gibson storm through the centre square, evade one opponent, before thumping a long 55m pass onto the chest of a diving Dowler.

The resulting goal reduced the margin to seven points, but the Hawks still had their work cut out.

With Werribee kicking the first goal of the last quarter the signs were looking ominous for the fading Hawks.

A goal shortly after from Dowler did little to stem the trend as the Tiger’s responded within a minute, with a Matthew Robbins goal.

From this point on the Tigers began to run away with the match. They scored another five goals to one to stroll to a comfortable 41-point win.

The Hawks seemed to lack that core group of contributors yet again, which most other sides possess, particularly when it matters most.

The Hawks also missed the consistently gritty Matthew Ball following his recent voyage overseas; he won’t play for the remainder of the season.

Matthew Little and Kris Shore presented well and kicked four and three goals respectively. Luke McEntee was influential in the ruck; he was particularly good with the ball at his feet.

Danny Jacobs was impressive in defence mopping up tirelessly all day. Midfielders Tuck and particularly Gibson added that bit of dash and poise so sorely needed with the state of the deteriorating centre square.

The Hawks now sit with just three wins from their 11 games and are second last on the ladder.

The side will be hoping for a solid performance next Sunday against Port Melbourne to notch up that first home win of the season.

Box Hill Hawks: 4.5 / 7.5 / 9.8 / 11.8 (74)

Goals: Little 4, Shore 3, Dowler 2, Weinert, Gibson

Best: Gibson, Tuck, Height, Little, Jacobs, McEntee

RESERVES

The Box Hill Hawks surrendered a 39-point lead at quarter time, eventually going down to Werribee by just eight points at Bartercard Oval on Saturday.

For the second week in a row the Hawks allowed their opposition more shots at goal but were unable to escape with victory this time around.

Last week the Hawks had several less shots than Frankston but managed a fortuitous 23-point victory. On Saturday, under similar circumstances, Werribee managed an extra 13 shots at goal but won by just the eight points.

The away side began all guns blazing in a seven goal to zero opening term. The Hawks were aided by a strong breeze during this time though.

After quarter time Werribee continually worked hard to peg back the whopping margin and led just before three-quarter time by two points.

Two late goals from the Hawks restored belief as they took a 10-point lead into the break. The lead was overstated though, given the Tigers were kicking with the breeze in the last.

Box Hill proceeded to drop men behind the ball which played into their hands for much of the quarter. Often Werribee’s delivery into the forward line landed with an uncontested Hawk.

After kicking the first goal of the last the Tigers struggled to find an avenue to goal, but were rewarded with their persistence with 10 minutes to play.

The scores were level at 88 a piece before the Tigers kicked a late sealer, securing them an eight-point win.

Richard Eva played a superb match, responding well to his demotion as he mopped up nearly everything across the back line. Kurt Batt was again impressive with five goals.

The Hawks play Port Melbourne at home next Sunday.

Box Hill Hawks: 7.1 / 9.4 / 12.7 / 13.8 (86)

Goals: Batt 5, Barker 2, Cook 2, Quinn, Markovic, Collins, Conyers

Best: Eva, Crook, Batt, Hill, Buchanan, Stone