Hoogenboom’s 7-79 from 21 overs was the best for the Hawks since club great David Shepard returned the then ninth-best district performance of all time with 9-28.

Hoogenboom displayed great control and pace and would have been eyeing off an eighth wicket but for Dandenong declaring at 9-255 after 93 overs.

Like many of the emerging group of young Hawks, Hoogenboom has grabbed the opportunity to show leadership through his actions and he appears destined for a long career at this level.

The Hawks were too quick through their overs, allowing the Panthers a further six overs at the end of the day.

The last over of the day proved costly, with the Hawks finishing at 2-10.

Hoogenboom was the pick of the bowlers, but he was well supported by fellow quicks Simon Black and debutant Tim Law. Dale Tormey was again tireless with 1-39 from 22, and Matthew Hewatt posed many challenges for the batsmen, finishing with 1-30 from 22 overs.

Aaron Dragwidge and Josh Hillier defied the strong Dandenong attack for the first five overs but the sixth proved costly as the in-form Hillier nicked a good length ball and was caught behind.

Tormey was not risked at No. 3. Instead, night watchman Black was sent in but was dismissed on the last ball of the day.

The seconds let Dandenong off the hook. The Panthers were 5-30 when the Hawks missed an opportunity from the all-time top Premier Cricket run scorer Warren Ayres, now captaining Dandenong’s seconds. He went on to make 166, leading Dandenong to 9-322dec (Blair 4-86).