But, with a number of players missing through injury, Box Hill faced a tough test.
Southern Districts had the better of the early exchanges and opened scoring with a try before a conversion gave it a 7-0 lead. Southern maintained the pressure, playing the game in Box Hill’s half, and increased the margin to 10-0 after a drop goal by from its fly-half.
The Box Hill backs, who’d shown scintillating form so far this season, were curtailed by solid Southern defence and poor Broncos decision-making.
But, on the stroke of half time, Box Hill opened its scoring to reduce the margin to 10-7 at the break.
As the second half got under way, Box Hill was again pinned in its half and a penalty, shortly after resumption of play, increased Southern’s lead.
As the game progressed, Southern continued to dominate play with Box Hill struggling to penetrate its solid defence.
Southern increased its lead with a converted try and another penalty to grab an upset win over the ladder-leading Broncos.
This week Box Hill faces Footscray at home on Saturday.
In other results this week: Second Grade: Box Hill 10 lost to Southern Districts 17; Third Grade: Box Hill 21 lost to Southern Districts 26.