Football fans were treated to a fantastic game at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday, where a strongly-fought, high-intensity final quarter, saw Sandringham hang on against a fast-finishing Geelong, to win by four points and move to second spot on the ladder as Troy Hallam reports.
Sandringham played on at all costs in the first quarter, and Myke Cook (30 disposals) was everywhere, creating an abundance of scoring opportunities for the Zebras. Geelong captain Troy Selwood missed a relatively easy chance at goal, after receiving a free kick for a high tackle, but made up for it shortly after, dishing it to Jaxson Barham who goaled. Scores were close for most of the first quarter as Geelong were able to capitalise on their opportunities, but a 10 minute burst from Zebra’s midfielder Tom Curren, saw him kick three goals, putting Sandringham up by 14 points at the end of the first.
Even though Sandringham were leading, coach Simon McPhee wasn’t pleased with the performance
“A couple of good switches undone by poor use.
“What’s frustrating is our overuse of the footy,” McPhee said at quarter time.
The poor efficiency continued in the second and third quarters, as Geelong stepped up their intensity, especially when the ball was in their forward 50m. Their forward pressure created more scoring options from turnovers, resulting in goals to Sheringham, Simpkin, Barham and Hollmer.
Raph Clark and James Gwilt, hoping to work their way back into the St Kilda side after returning from injuries, were both solid in defence. Their experience was the main reason Sandringham were able to keep a two to three goal lead for most of the game.
Troy Selwood (22 disposals), Jordan Schroder (15 disposals), and George Horlin-Smith (20 disposals) lifted in the third quarter, providing Geelong with multiple opportunities, but from 17 inside 50’s Geelong were only able to produce 3 goals, 5 behinds.
Sandringham took a 13-point lead into the last quarter, which saw goals produced at a furious rate, where both teams traded five goals in the first six minutes. Seb Ross was able to retard the effectiveness of Selwood, and Adam Cockie (25 disposals) was able to stamp his authority on the quarter, and when young Darcy Brown kicked his third for the game, it looked like the Zebras were home. But like their AFL counterparts, Geelong weren’t giving up that easy, Lincoln McCarthy goaled, and Jackson Hollmer kicked his fourth deep into time-on, reducing the deficit to just four points. The Geelong ruck led by Dawson Simpson dominated the final term (12-5 hit outs) and as Geelong looked set to score again they were beaten by the final siren.
Final scores: Sandringham 16.16:112 to Geelong 15.18:108.
Photos: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 22/05/2012 16:48