A cold and wet day at Visy Park saw the Northern Blues battle it out against Sandringham as Nick Ciantar reports.
It was a game with many stoppages, and filled with many great acts of desperation to get the ball. The game was close for three quarters, until Sandringham kicked four unanswered goals in the last to win by 30 points. The Northern Blues only managed eight behinds after half time, after a strong first half. Brock Mclean led the way for the Blues, amassing over thirty disposals in what was arguably a best on ground performance.
The first quarter was good, tough footy. Sandringham led at the first break by 14 points, with both teams having many highlights. Daniel Archer took a great contested mark near the goal square and converted with a goal.
“Our willingness to work hard in and around the contests” said Sandringham Coach Simon McPhee on his first quarter highlights.
In the second quarter, the Northern Blues came out firing and kicked 4 goals in the first eight minutes. Little was it known that these would be the Blues last goals of the game. The Blues were dominant for the majority of the quarter. It wasn’t until the dying minutes of the quarter that Daniel Archer kicked the Zebras first and only goal for the term.
After the half time break, Sandringham had to wait until the 16 minute mark to get the only goal for the quarter, kicked by Darren Minchington. The Blues managed to kick 6 behinds, whilst Sandringham kicked 1 goal 3 behinds. It was a tight contest, with McLean and Andrew Collins starring for the Blues and Adam Cockie, Myke Cook and Beau Dowler playing well for the Zebras.
“Cookie’s (Myle Cook) first quarter was great, his last quarter was good. Adam (Cockie) has been solid all year for us. (I) thought Sam Dunell was good, competed hard all day. Good to see young Darren Minchington work into it, late in the game.”
In the last quarter both teams had chances early on and both had players break into the 50, but they were not able to convert them into goals. The quarter had many stoppages but it was Sandringham’s Sam Dunell who broke the goal scoring drought in the final term.
“(In the) last quarter our focus was to try and win the contested ball and give ourselves a chance.”
Sandringham’s last quarter was all about winning the contested footy and it showed.
They had more numbers around the ball and were able to break more easily into their forward line. Cook took a rare running bounce on a wet day, to give Jamie Cripps a set shot at goal, which he converted. Sandringham went on to kick 4 goals 7 behinds to the Blues 2 behinds and finished up winning by 30 points.
The Northern Blues will be ruing their chances, as they kicked eight behinds in the second half. McLean was a standout, whilst Nick Meese worked hard in the ruck. Collins showed some spark around the ground and Brent Bransgrove always attacked the ball.
For Sandringham, Raph Clarke played his first game back from injury and starred off half back. Myke Cook and Adam Cockie were great again in the midfield, whilst Beau Dowler lead from defence.
Sandringham will face Geelong at home next Sunday, whilst the Northern Blues will meet Werribee away on Saturday in the ABC TV game.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 14/05/2012 15:33