Sandringham has triumphantly defeated the Casey Scorpions by 58-points to remain undefeated after four matches.
The Zebras’ class rose above the Scorpions, keeping Casey scoreless for the first 40 minutes of the game as Nick Ciantar reports.
The Zebras started the match with the same tenacity that they ended the game with against North Ballarat the previous week, kicking the first four goals. Sandringham laid 31 tackles to quarter time, with defenders Cameron Shenton, Tom Simpkin, Peter Shakallis and Piers Flanagan manning the fort in windy conditions.
“I think we handled the conditions a little bit better earlier than they did, which has helped us,” Sandringham Assistant Coach Brendan Allen told True Zebras.
Sandringham had 41 inside 50’s compared to the Scorpions’ 40, yet the Zebras had 13 more scoring shots. Casey could not hit targets in their forward line and this was due to Sandringham’s relentless pressure.
Tackling and pressure were the Zebras’ keys all afternoon and it was an even spread of contributors across the whole four quarters that keep them unbeaten for the season.
“We won three of the four quarters – lost the last quarter – but we were aiming for that four quarter effort. To win games with a three quarter effort gives us a lot of scope for improvement,” Allen said.
Blake Acres (21 disposals, 2 tackles, 7 marks, 1 goal) was smooth across halfback, Adam Cockie (14 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 mark) worked hard in the midfield after being closely watched by James Harmes (12 disposals, 6 tackles, 3 marks), while Daniel Markworth’s (16 disposals, 4 tackles, 3 marks, 1 goal) pace and creativity caused problems for Casey.
Jordie McKenzie (27 disposals, 11 tackles) had the tagging role on Zebras midfield maestro Maverick Weller (18 disposals, 11 tackles, 2 marks, 2 goals) and the two battled it out for the afternoon. Myke Cook (23 disposals, 2 tackles, 9 marks, 1 goal) returned to Sandringham for his first game since round one and was impressive with his midfield attack.
The Zebras led by 36-points at half time and after the main break, Sandringham’s pressure and intensity did not drop despite Casey winning the ball from stoppages.
“They [Casey Scorpions] won the clearances but I think the ones we had were quality, which showed throughout. That’s the first time we have been beaten around the stoppages all year and we will rectify that this week,” Allen told True Zebras.
Casey’s ruckmen Max Gawn and Jack Fitzpatrick gave the Scorpions’ midfielders first use of the ball however their ineffective disposal efficiency hurt them. Midfielders Dan Nicholson (23 disposals, 5 marks), Jimmy Toumpas (14 disposals, 2 tackles, 4 marks) and Sam Blease (15 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal) were effective at clearing the ball but could not hit their forward targets.
It will be a nervous wait for Melbourne and Casey fans as Colin Garland (6 disposals, 1 tackle, 3 marks) hobbled off the ground with a leg injury in the second term. He played no further part in the game after a heavy collision with Zebras player Yllber Zijai (14 disposals, 5 tackles).
Sandringham moves into third position on the VFL ladder while the Casey Scorpions slide down to 11th. Sandringham plays their first game of the season at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday against Essendon, whilst Casey hosts Werribee also on Sunday.
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Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 28/04/2014 14:15