Williamstown hosted bottom of the ladder Box Hill Hawks in Round 8 action of the VFL on Saturday. Williamstown made three changes to the side that defeated Bendigo Bombers the week before. Wayde Skipper, Stephen Tiller and Josh Hill replaced Farren Ray (promoted to Bulldogs seniors) while Dean Galea and Kane McKenzie were dropped.
 
First Quarter
The game opened in perfect conditions with Box Hill attacking  strongly only for the Williamstown defence, led by Stephen Tiller, Andrejs Everitt, Brennan Stack and Scott Meyer, repelling their attacks. Jason Cloke was lively up forward and kicked both Seagulls’ goals. Bulldogs ruckman Peter Street was continuing his fine form and Callan Ward and Liam Picken were good on the ball but Box Hill were  on top at the break.
 
Williamstown 2.4 (16)  Box Hill 3.5 (23)
 
Second Quarter
Williamstown lifted in the second quarter even though Skipper was unable to return after injuring his knee in the first quarter. The Seagulls player stocks were depleted further when Andrew McDougall limped from the ground with a knee injury. David Stretton continued to dominate with 18 touches to half time as Jarrod Harbrow, Josh Hill and Guy O’Keefe lifted. Matthew Little, Jarrad Grant and Patrick Rose remained dangerous up forward. The Towners were able to establish a five-point lead at half time in a tight game.
 
Williamstown     8.7 (55)  Box Hill 7.8 (50)
 
Third Quarter
Box Hill began the third quarter by kicking the opening two goals to grab the lead. This seemed to jolt Williamstown into action and in the next 25 minutes they kicked 10 goals to establish a 44 point lead at the last break. David Stretton was everywhere and was supported by Brett Johnson, Ben Jolley, Malcolm Lynch, Ward and Rose. The Box Hill side dropped off and was swamped by the overall lift in intensity by Williamstown.

Williamstown 18.11 (119) Box Hill 11.9 (75)
 
Fourth Quarter
The last quarter saw Williamstown increase their lead by kicking five goals to two with Rose and Little the major goal kickers. Stretton and Ward continued to pick up possessions on the back of Street’s dominance around the ground and at the centre bounces. Picken and Tiller continued their fine form in defence as Williamstown confirmed their fourth consecutive victory and their position at the top of the ladder heading into the state game bye.

Williamstown 23.15 (153) Box Hill 13.12 (90)
 
Goals: Rose 5, Little 4, Harbrow 2, Cloke 2, Street 2, Ward 2, Grant 2, Picken 1, Hill 1, Stack 1, Cook 1
 
Best Players: Stretton, Ward, Picken, Tiller, Rose, Cloke
 
Reserves Wrap
Williamstown continued their unbeaten run by recording a 100 point victory over Box Hill. The visitors challenged in the third quarter when they kicked seven goals but the overall strength and evenness of the Williamstown side proved to be the difference.
 
Williamstown 6.3 11.10 18.16    25.20 (170)
Box Hill          2.2  2.4      8.5       10.10 (70)
 
Goals: Wood 4, Young 3, Mulligan 3, Lyons 2, Keddell 2, Langlands 2, Galea 2, McKenzie 2, Dickson 1, Chui 1, O’Shea 1, Beaumont 1
 
Best Players: Beaumont, McKenzie, Wood, Reid, Young, Galea
 
Next weekend there are no games as the VFL play the SANFL at Adelaide Oval on Saturday 31st May, 2008.
 
Williamstown have seven players in the state squad - Brett Johnson, Jason Cloke, Patrick Rose, Dean Galea, David Stretton, Ben Jolley and Scott Meyer. The final squad of 24 players will be announced Tuesday. Brett Johnson has been appointed the Victorian Captain.
 
Williamstown’s next opponent in Round 9 on Saturday June 7 is the Northern Bullants at Princes Park (MC Labour Park). The Supporters Bus will depart from Seagulls Nest (1 Mason Street, Newport) at 12 noon. You can book a spot on the bus by calling Trent Mosbey or Brendan Curry on 9390 0611.
 
Our next home game is on Sunday June 15th when Williamstown take on Frankston. It is our Life Members Day and at the President’s Luncheon will celebrate the contribution they have made to the proud history of the Williamstown Football Club.

Western Bulldogs Coach Rodney Eade will be guest speaker at the luncheon and tickets are still available for $40.00. Attendance is welcome to everybody. Bookings can be made by calling Trent Mosbey or Brendan Curry on 9390 0611.