Sandringham returned to the winning list by comprehensively thrashing old rivals the Springvale Scorpions after a listless start at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday. When the Zebras finally got going after a lacklustre first half, their overall performance to win by 95 points was impressive given that it came when the team was down in spirit in the wake of a bad loss at the hands of the Tassie Devils and the serious injury incurred in that match by courageous defender Josh Radford.
Radford is unlikely to play again this season but his example was referred to by coach Mark Williams before the game and will certainly be remembered by the Zebras for the duration of the season's campaign.
Sandringham dominated the game from the start but simply couldn't put sufficient scoreboard pressure on the Scorpions whose lone winning forward Allan Murray caused Mitch Grant plenty of headaches with three goals in the first half. As a result, the Zebras' 13-point lead at the main break did not adequately reflect the difference between the two sides.
Sandy was getting a massive amount of drive from Mark Jamar in the ruck and his accurate hit outs gave Steven Armstrong and David Gallagher first use ofthe ball throughout the day.
After half time the forwards had a birthday. Nick Sautner had been held to just two goals up to the main break, then booted another five to register his biggest haul since returning from his self imposed exile with the Dolphins and the Bullants.
Melbourne coach Neale Daniher was in attendance and would have been pleased with the form of his younger brigade of Daniel Bell, Brock McLean, Cameron Hunter, Chris Johnson, Armstrong and defender Luke Williams.
Sandringham coach Mark Williams would also be happy with the form of new boys Andrew Mills, Sean O'Keefe and Old Xaverians recruit Andy Biddlecombe while Sam Radford provided some inspirational play coming off the interchange. Robbie Ferraro and Adam Fisher were damaging when on the ball and Paul Newman flashed in with some good play with limited opportunities.
The Zebras face a more difficult task on Anzac Day when they do battle with Werribee in what could be an important pointer to its top four prospects. The game will be played at Trevor Barker Oval.
Sandringham 3.2.20 6.6.42 11.9.75 21.16.142
Springvale Scorpions 1.3.9 4.5.29 6.8.44 6.11.47
Goals Sautner 7 Gallagher Hunter Johnson McLean Smith 2 Armstrong Heffernan Jamar Newman
Best Williams McLean Hunter Armstrong Bell Heffernan Sautner Gallagher
RESTED SANDY TOO GOOD by Barry Junior
Having been stung by their first round loss to Coburg Tigers a fortnight ago, the young Zebra Reserves came back with a vengeance to win Sunday's curtain raiser at Trevor Barker Oval against the Springvale Scorpions by a mammoth 101 points.
Sandringham was in control from the start and by half time the game had been well and truly killed off as a contest when it held an 80-point lead.
The Zebras had winners all over the ground with players of the quality of livewire onballer Andy Treloar proving too classy and key forwards Tom Mentiplay and Dale Carson winning their positions handsomely.
Ari Lewski provided great drive while Matty Gadsden was strong all day. Others to impress were Lachlan Smith and Toby Conroy and Melbourne's third round draft choice Colin Sylvia who carved up the Scorpions with his overall class.
Sandy's huge victory gave the club an enormous percentage break and victory in next week's clash with Werribee will help cement an early place in the top five.
Sandringham 6.4.40 14.10.94 17.14.116 20.21.141
Springvale Scorpions 1.2.8 2.2.14 4.4.28 6.4.40
Goals Mentiplay 5 Carson Zantuck 4 Fletcher Ritterman Sylvia 2 Gadsden
Best Gadsden Treloar Lewski Smith Ritterman Carson Mentiplay
Last Modified on 15/02/2008 16:31