The Williamstown Seagulls battled to a 31 point victory over an inaccurate Box Hill Hawks in Round 1 of the VFL at Burbank oval on Saturday.

Williamstown kicked with a strong wind in the first quarter but a strong Box Hill defence held Williamstown to only 2.5. Cameron Cloke and Adam Iacobucci missed set shots and it was left to Heath Lawry and Andrew Williams to kick the Seagulls two majors for the quarter. Julian Rowe, Heath Shaw and Scott Pendlebury continually pumped the ball forward but in tough conditions, Willy was unable to capitalise.

Quarter Time Score: Williamstown 2.5 (17) Box Hill 1.2 (8)

In the second quarter Box Hill had its opportunity to capitalise with the wind at their backs but a lift in defensive pressure and inaccurate kicking for goal resulted in 11 straight behinds. Ben Davies, Stephen Brewer, John Anthony and Chad Morrison ran the ball out of defence as Williamstown attempted to run the ball into the wind. One such foray resulted in Heath Lawry snapping his second goal.

Half Time Score: Williamstown 3.7 (25) Box Hill 1.13 (19)

The third quarter begun in a similar vein to the first half with Box Hill pushing numbers behind the ball. Brad Lloyd, Brett Johnson, Steven Greene and David Fanning begun to win more ball in the midfield and Lawry and Williams kicked 3 goals in succession. Box Hill bounced back to kick 2 late goals and reduce the lead to 17 points with the wind at their backs in the last quarter.

Half Time Score: Williamstown 6.14 (50) Box Hill 3.15 (33)

Box Hill kicked an early goal to reduce the lead to 11 points and the Williamstown defence led by Jason Cloke, Rayden Tallis, Heath Shaw and Chad Morrison were defending stoutly. With players tiring in the difficult conditions Williamstown was able to quickly reply with a classy goal to Brett Johnson. Steven Greene was having a great game in his first appearance with the Seagulls and kicked 2 goals to stretch the lead. Young Rookie Danny Nicholls who had been quiet early was gaining in confidence and kicked 2 great goals to seal the victory.

Full Time Score: Williamstown 11.15 (81) Box Hill 5.20 (50)

Goalkickers: Lawry 4, Williams 2, Nicholls 2, Greene 2, Johnson 1

Best Players: H Shaw, Greene, Pendlebury, Lawry, Morrison, Williams



Reserves Wrap

Williamstown had a commanding 124 point victory over Box Hill who failed to kick a goal after quarter time. Tristen Walker played a half in his return from injury and Rookies Alan Toovey and Shannon Cox continued their good form.

Williamstown 2.4 10.7 15.8 23.14 (152)
Box Hill

4.1 4.1
4.3
4.4 (28)

Goalkickers: Adam Cook 3, Cox 3, McGhie 3, Perace 3, Proctor 2, Clifton 2, Picken 2, Barling 1, Stretton 1, Meyer 1, Crawford 1, Dickson 1

Best Players: Galea, Meyer, Picken, Crawford, Dow, Adam Cook