The Box Hill Hawks claimed their second top-of-the-ladder scalp in four weeks with a determined 15-point win over triple-reigning premier Sandringham on Sunday.

The Hawks, still second last on the ladder are fast building a reputation as the VFL’s giant slayers. In another memorable victory they recently toppled previous ladder-leader’s Geelong, away from home as well.

Box Hill Coach Damien Christensen said he was “pretty chuffed with the win”, but was left scratching his head when asked to provide a reason for Hawks’ inconsistency.

“In the first quarter we kicked eight goals to two and that was an awesome performance. We were up today, we put our head on the line. In the second we held up really well against the wind, I thought it was equally as good as our first quarter,” he said.

Sandringham had the services of Melbourne-listed players Byron Pickett, Brad Miller and Matthew Whelan for the game, to compliment their, already strong and experienced side.

The Hawks jumped the Zebra’s and made the most of the breeze piling on eight first-quarter goals to Sandringham’s two, stunning the home crowd.

In what was easily their best first quarter of the year the Hawks led the ladder-leader’s by a staggering 38 points at quarter time.

Sandringham lifted their intensity noticeably in the second term not allowing the Hawks the run that saw them build a hefty quarter time lead.

The Hawks still fought hard but were beset upon in a real in-and-under contest. They managed to steady towards the end of the second quarter with two vital goals.

In reality though, the Hawks were helped by the Zebra’s inaccuracy in front of goal. They were very wasteful, kicking 4.7 to the Hawks’ 3.1 in the second quarter alone

At half time the Hawks led by a healthy 26-point margin but had only one more scoring shot, highlighting Sandringham’s inaccuracy.

A chilly breeze hit the ground and the rain began to pelt down in the third quarter making the Hawks’ lead all the more precious.

The third term was very congested as a result. The Hawks managed the first goal but neither side scored another until after the 20-minute mark.

The 24-point lead Box Hill took into three quarter time looked insurmountable with no sign of the rain easing. However, the Hawks would’ve been wary of their history of dropping off when it matters most.

Christensen, well aware of his side’s tendency to capitulate advised his players to ignore the corridor and kick to contests affecting a stoppage blockade.

The rain surprisingly relented just five minutes into the fourth quarter making Sandringham’s chances of a comeback all the more likely.

Across the board there were some very tired legs but each and every Box Hill player fought manfully. The Hawks were set a challenge with their purported lack of midfield depth and passed with flying colours.

They did what was required of them all day in trying conditions. When the ball was to be won on the deck they did it and when Sandringham’s inevitable surge came in the last the Hawks held them off with great aplomb.

Beau Muston played his best game of 2007 so far. He had 24 touches playing mainly across half-back and also five inside-50’s and six rebound-50’s.

Ryan Breese looked right at home following his promotion; he had 25 disposals, five marks, and seven tackles. Mitch Thorp proved a viable target up forward kicking four goals.

“We’ll go home tonight, and enjoy it until tomorrow and then we’ll put our heads down and see if we can get to 4-6 after the Frankston game.

The Hawks need to win half of their remaining eight games to secure a finals berth, a surprisingly likely outcome given the side’s ability to match, and beat the best.

The game at home to Frankston next Sunday will see Matthew Ball play his last game before he heads off overseas to study, providing all the more reason to get down and support the brown and gold.

The Box Hill Hawks were narrowly beaten by Sandringham on the weekend, eventually going down by 21 points at Trevor Barker Oval.

The rain began to pelt down in the third quarter making the Zebras 20-point lead all the more valuable leading into the final break.

The Hawks finished with a late surge kicking the last three goals of the game to make the scoreboard look respectable, but unfortunately the ship had already sailed.

All in all though, it was a spirited performance, but unfortunately the loss came against the sort of sides the Hawks need to beat.