By Hayley Wildes
The Casey Demons have put together their most impressive performance of the season, recording a strong win against the previously undefeated Box Hill Hawks.
The Demons got off to the perfect start with Melbourne Captain Jack Viney, who made a successful return from injury, getting the first clearance and forward 50 entry of the game. Jay Kennedy-Harris got on the end of it and Casey had their first goal within one minute.
In what was a back and forth first quarter, neither team was able to break free. The Demons took a hard-fought 4.4 (28) to 3.2 (20) lead into the first break.
The second quarter was much of the same. Both teams had a real desire for the ball and the contest was well and truly alive.
Billy Stretch and Joel Smith were gathering plenty of the ball, but finding avenues to goal was proving difficult for both teams.
Two goals each for the quarter saw the Demons hold a seven-point lead at the main break.
Two goals quick goals to begin the third quarter, via some Tomas Bugg magic and an Angus Scott set shot from 50 metres out extended the lead to a game-high 20 points.
But as they so often do, Box Hill responded by booting two goals of their own, cutting the Demons’ lead to just eight points.
With the Hawks appearing to have gained the momentum, the Demons replied with a dominant 15 minutes of play.
Tim Smith put through a major against the run of play and from there, it was all Casey for the remainder of the term.
Although their dominance didn’t translate on the scoreboard – kicking 2.4 in that burst – it was telling that they were able to regain the momentum and control the game with a 25-point lead after three quarters.
When Bugg kicked the first two goals of the fourth term, the Demons lead was out to 35 points and all was going well. Once again, the Hawks fought their way back into the contest with three unanswered goals.
Tim Smith responded by kicking two goals in two minutes at the 22-minute mark to all but break Box Hill’s back.
Late goals to Stretch and Corey Wagner saw the Demons get home comfortably, 16.15 (111) to 11.6 (72).
Billy Stretch finished the game with 31 disposals and a goal in a best afield performance, while Tomas Bugg (20 disposals, four goals), Tim Smith (two goals) and Cam Pedersen (20 disposals, one goal) were pivotal.
Casey’s record now stands at 3-2, sitting seventh on the ladder. In Round 7 action, Casey faces the Frankston Dolphins in Frankston on Saturday afternoon.
