Despite being bowled out for 130, the Hawks had the Cats at 8-120 before dropping what Hawks coach Keith Jansz described as a "simple" catch.

After the dropped catch the Cats managed to pass their total and were bowled out for 179.

Jansz said his side had to improve the finer points of their play.

"A catch like that shouldn't have been dropped in an under-14 game," he said.

"With respect to their No. 10 and 11 batsmen if we had taken that catch then it could have taken just one ball for us to snatch the points."

Hawks left-armer Alex Jones had a breakout day, taking 5-61 from 15 overs after coming on as a first-change bowler.

Jansz praised Jones for his hard work since he came to the Hawks this term after several strong seasons with Victorian Sub District club Oakleigh.

"He has been working really hard without realising his potential," he said.

"We have been patient with him and given him plenty of games and overs and he is now starting to realise that ability. He could be something special."

Among Jones' wickets were Victorian star Aaron Finch, who had scored 22 off the opening over of the innings, and Cats star Liam Buchanan.

Jansz said the Hawks would continue to press their batsmen for more application after a poor showing from their top order.

"Considering the majority of the boys are under 25 we are going to get some fluctuations but I think we will see more improvements before the end of the season."

No. 7 batsman Grant Westgarth again top-scored for the Hawks with 48 not out from 60 balls and No. 11 batsman Daniel Rogers scored a career-best 20 from 45 balls.

The Hawks also gave 16-year-old opening batsman Liam Tonkin his third first-team match after he made 100 not out for the seconds in the previous round.

Tonkin made 10 off 34 balls in what Jansz said was an encouraging display that bettered some of his senior colleagues.