Determined to break a seven-match losing streak, the Bombers scored just one goal in the first half of the match, which was transferred from the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo.

The Hawks dominated in the wet and windy conditions to lead 6.4 (40) to 1.3 (9) at half-time.

Box Hill’s line-up included Hawthorn premiership-winning defender Rick Ladson in his first match of 2009.

Drafted to the Hawks from the Bendigo Pioneers, Ladson won plenty of the football and figured in Box Hill’s best.

The skill of former Collingwood-listed player Sam Iles was a highlight for the Hawks.

Ed Curnow and Ben Smithwick, three goals, also figured prominently for the brown and gold.

At the end of the third quarter, Box Hill led 77-17.

The Adrian Hickmott-coached Bendigo Bombers played their best football in the final quarter.Bendigo scored 4.3 to 2.2 in the fourth term.

A highlight for the Bombers and Essendon fans was the form of midfielder Andrew Welsh.

In his second match after breaking his leg in an intra-club match last summer, Welsh was one of Bendigo’s best against the Hawks.

Winless and on the bottom rung of the ladder, Bendigo has a bye this weekend.

The Bendigo Bombers’ next hit-out will be at Frankston on June 28.