Sandringham played Casey Scorpions at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, in what delivered a nail biting finish. In windy and wet conditions, Casey kicked the winning goal with less than a minute on the clock, to win by 4 points. Casey won 11.15:81 to Sandringham 10.17:77 as Nick Ciantar reports.
In the first quarter, both teams had chances to kick goals but could not produce it on the scoreboard. Sandringham held a slight advantage at the first break, leading by 8 points. Cameron Shenton started well for the Zebras. He led well and took marks and kicked a goal in his first game back at senior level.
Casey Scorpions began to take their chances in the second quarter, kicking 5 goals to Sandringham’s 3. Casey started to get on top of the contest and both teams battled hard. In one of the plays of the game, Jackson Ferguson took a strong mark from a Scorpions rebound 50, kicked it to Beau Wilkes who passed it off to Daniel Markworth who goaled. The second quarter was a see-sawing contest, with the Scorpions leading by 8 points at half time.
The third quarter was goal for goal early on. Adam Cockie and Myke Cook started to have an influence in the midfield, finishing with 27 and 21 disposals respectively. Cook played more in the forward line and had 3 shots at goal, whilst Cockie tackled hard again, finishing with 7 tackles. Casey started to get on top, though Sandringham kept responding. Casey held an 11 point lead at the last break, in what loomed as a close finish.
Sandringham began the last quarter strong. Wilkes kicked two quick goals, to finish with 4 for the day. Sandringham managed to get in front when Tom Ledger goaled, to lead by a point early in the last. The lead changed on multiple occasions, as the rain started to settle in. Casey kicked a behind and Brett Peake booted the ball from the kick in to Farren Ray. He kicked it in front of Daniel Archer in their forward 50, though it was just out of his reach and a point was scored.
The scores were level late in the last. Sandringham managed to get another behind and with less than a minute on the clock, Tom Couch was awarded a free kick in his forward line and kicked a goal. Casey led by 5 points and all hope seemed lost for Sandringham. A quick centre clearance was needed and Cockie delivered that to Farren Ray who marked 50 metres out from goal. The siren sounded as he kicked it and he just missed to the left.
“The attitude was there today and the endeavour,” said Sandringham Assistant coach Paul Hudson.
In a frantic final quarter, Casey held on against a fighting Zebras team. Sandringham will be rueing their below par disposal efficiency, though their effort and intensity was there in the last quarter.
Marcus Marigliani played his first senior game for the year and finished with 22 disposals and 6 tackles. He was one of the best for the Zebras on the day and provided great run and carry.
Farren Ray played a terrific game, finishing with 32 disposals. His run and carry was influential and no one can question his effort during the game. Beau Dowler and James Hallahan were strong in the back line, whilst Jackson Ferguson kept Lucas Cook quiet.
“They (Port Melbourne) do use the ball well… we (will) go away and have a look at it and address it and hope to improve again.”
Casey captain Evan Panozza led the disposals for the visitors with 30, followed by Jordan Gysberts with 23 and Stef Martin with 21. Ricky Petterd, Gysberts and Martin all kicked two goals.
Sandringham faces Port Melbourne away this Saturday in the ABC TV game, and will be looking at improving some areas against the reigning VFL premiers. Their effort and intensity was there against Casey and they will be looking at showing that again against Port Melbourne. Casey faces another top four team this weekend, playing away to Werribee.
Photo: Morgan Hancock
Relive the frantic final 5 minutes of the game by click HERE
Last Modified on 26/06/2012 11:31