Williamstown's return to Burbank Oval saw a battle to the dying minutes but the Seagulls eventually fell to the Box Hill Hawks by 6-points on Saturday afternoon.
It was the Seagulls that began the game in sparkling fashion with Christian Howard capitalizing on a turnover to hit the scoreboard first.
Although Box Hill were quick to respond, Williamstown’s tenacity around the contest saw them getting first-hands to the ball and adjusting better to the rigors of the wet weather footy than their opponents.
It soon showed on the scoreboard with the Seagulls clean ball use reaping the rewards, kicking the next four goals of the contest to take a 26 point lead into the first change.
The second term saw a shift in pace with the Hawks stepping up the intensity and aggression while the Seagulls fell away in from the key areas that saw them dominate the first quarter.
The Hawks kept Williamstown to one behind in the second term while Box Hill spotted up targets in their forward half to create a ten point lead.
With their opponents threatening to run away, some early respite was imperative for Peter German's men heading into the third quarter.
The wet conditions had a greater impact in the second half ensuring the game became more of a scrap rather than the free-flowing contest that was seen in the first two quarters.
The game was now being played on much more of an even keel, with the ball spending much time at ground level.
Andrew Hooper was rewarded for his courage and persistence earning a free-kick for a high-tackle in the 50m arc, slotting through the all-important first goal for Williamstown.
Jamie McNamara added a further goal to regain the lead while the influential Liam Jones set-up a running Andrew Hooper to create a 10-point buffer late in the quarter.
A late free-kick deep in the Box Hill 50 proved costly with the Hawks able to peg the margin back to 4-points going into the final quarter.
The game would remain hotly contested in the fourth term with the two teams effectively trading goals in the early stages.
When it mattered Williamstown had no answer for Box Hill's pace and spread, with their small-forwards accounting for the next three goals of the game.
Brodie Moles kicked a late goal to bring the margin back 7-points and was shortly gifted another chance via set-shot.
Unable to convert, the resulting behind meant the margin was back to a solitary goal and a frenetic dying few minutes followed.
Time however proved to be the enemy, as the Seagulls fell 12.15. 87 to 12.9 81.
Liam Jones was hugely impressive as the main lead up forward kicking two goals and assisting several others, while Ben Jolley's inside work was outstanding.
The defeat sees Williamstown sitting in 7th position on the ladder and sets up a crunch match with bottom-placed Frankston at Frankston Oval next Sunday.
- with James Gray-Foster
Williamstown 5.2 5.3 8.7 12.9 (81)
Box Hill Hawks 1.0 6.7 7.9 12.15 (87)
GOALS:
Williamstown: Hooper 4 Howard 2 Jones 2 Redpath Gilbee McNamara Moles
BEST:
Williamstown: Jones Wall Jolley Hooper Pearce Jong
