The Bendigo Bombers had a strong start and led going in the second term by twenty two points, before torrential rain and extreme winds created havoc on the field and the Hawks took control of the game.

Bendigo were unable to claw their way back, the final scores Bendigo Bombers 12.13 (85) to the Box Hill Hawks 18.15 (123).

“It was a good performance on our behalf against a top four side; Box Hill are going really well, and despite the margin at quarter time, they were never really out of the game,” Assistant coach Steve Thompson said.

“Hayden Skipworth was outstanding, he got a plethora of the ball and used it very well, and he was the reason we were in the game for so long.

“Heath Hocking was also in the midfield and was just super.

“Cale Hooker and Christian Bock were sharing ruck duties today.  Hooker had a multitude of tasks – including up front and down back, and handled it all with ease.

“Bock gets a chance to show a bit more each week, he’s getting through a lot better.  His body is still developing, but he is a great long term prospect for us.""

Key forwards Steven Stroobants and Darcy Daniher were outstanding given the conditions, kicking four and three goals respectively, but it wasn’t enough to suppress the head-strong Hawks.

“Unfortunately we lost Kade Klemke and David Zaharakis during the second half of the game.  Klemke felt soreness in the back of the knee, and Zaka was tightening up in the groin area,"" Thompson said.

“We wanted to rest them so as not to rip something. Purely precautionary. They should be right for next week.

“Darren Hulme came off as well with some tightness in his hamstring after achieving eighteen possessions.

“The Hawks structure was very organised today, a bit too organised for us at times.  We strayed from the basics.  When we stick to our structure and our basics, we play pretty well.

“Paul Scanlon had plenty of the ball, and was very effective this week.  I’m sure he’s going to press on to next year; I’m sure the club will be very keen to renew his contract.  He’s enjoying himself and his leadership is fantastic, it has been a great comeback for a 31 year old.

“We are still hunting that elusive win, we’re aiming high.  If we continue this form line, we’re confident we can get over the line.  The development is what it is all about.

“Absent today were two of Bendigo’s property stewards, Kenny Lynch and David Agars.  Kenny has been unwell this week, and David took a turn earlier today.  Both are recovering in hospital and we would like to send our best wishes to these two invaluable members of our club, and wish them a speedy recovery.”

Goal Kickers: Stroobants 4, Daniher 3, Weekley 1, Crameri 1, Carroll 1, Coulson-Hoffaker 1, Scanlon 1.

Best Players: Skipworth, Hocking, Hooker, Slattery, Scanlon, Stroobants.

Goal Kickers: Moss 3, Pedersen 3, Fagan 3, Breust 3, Milne 1, Suckling 1, Whitecross 1, Murphy 1, Gibson 1, Yze 1.

Best Players: Iles, Walsh, Pedersen, Murphy, Gibson, Moss.