Boronia remains undefeated in the Eastern Football League after an eight-point win over Scoresby

BORONIA remains one of just two undefeated teams in Division 3 after a “backs against the wall” eight-point win over Scoresby, lifting its record to 3-0.

Ben Robertson tries to burst through a tackle. Picture: Chris Eastman/AAP

BORONIA remains one of just two undefeated teams in Division 3 after a “backs against the wall” eight-point win over Scoresby.

The Hawks trailed by 20 points in the third quarter but rallied to score a bruising 10.9 (69) to 8.13 (61) victory.

The result moved Boronia to a 3-0 record under the guidance of experienced mentor Matt Clark, who praised his young side’s attitude and willingness to adopt a defensive game plan.

“I think in the past, age has been used as probably a get-out if they don’t win or if they don’t play well,” Clark said.

“At the end of the day, we’re playing footy and no one is checking birth certificates, as I always say, at the gate.

“They’re really playing a strong defensive style and that’s what I was really rapt in on Saturday because I think they would have got bullied in the past.

“The guys are really standing up, might be a bit physically undersized in some spots but their attitude is fantastic.”

Boronia was missing Zak Robinson in the second half because of concussion, with just one fit player on the bench after halftime.

“It was a brutal affair at the footy, it was as hard a physical contest as I’ve seen for a few years,” Clark said.

“When we were really backs against the wall, the guys responded well and were able to just take a few more chances than they weren’t early.”

The Hawks have conceded an average of just 49 points a game in the opening three weeks, with Clark challenging his group to maintain that level of intensity.

“That was our challenge this week to come up against another physical side and play the same brand,” he said.

“We’ve got great depth at the moment, there’s some guys in the twos who probably haven’t played much twos footy ever.

“They’re applying good internal pressure, which is making everyone have to train hard and that has been evident on game day.”