Sandringham bounced back to the winner’s circle with a resilient performance against Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon as Cameron Larkin reports.
The Zebras were staring defeat in the face after being outscored by the Magpies eight goals to one behind in the third quarter, having led my 48 points at half time. But Sandringham was able to steady in the final term to come away with an 11 point victory.
Sandringham’s Daniel Archer opened the scoring for the day before Collingwood goal sneak Alan Didak kicked two quick consecutive goals to put the Magpies ahead. Moments later, Sandringham’s Thomas Curren’s poor foot skills set Didak up again however he was unable to punish the Zebras on the scoreboard. Disposals were hurting the visitors early on until Sam Dunell put one through followed by ruthless defensive pressure resulting in a Jackson Coleman major. Minutes later and it was Coleman again, extending the visitors lead out to 11 points. Sandringham started to get on top of the running game late.
Zebras coach Simon McPhee felt his side was, although ahead, weren’t playing high quality football. McPhee asked his players for more energy before they broke to commence the second term.
“Clearance wise, we were too second to the footy and reckless with our attack on the ball,” McPhee said at quarter time.
“We took a few risks, probably too many.”
Paul Cribbins kicked a much-needed Collingwood goal at the start of the second quarter, but it would prove to be Sandringham’s period from then on. Arryn Siposs did some good work at ground level providing Ahmed Saad with an effective snap on on the run before Farren Ray contributed with his first from a Coleman assist. Collingwood’s Jonathon Ceglar tried to restore hope but that was negated by goals from Sebastian Ross and Dunell late in the term.
Sandringham went into the main break with a 48-point lead.
A half-time rev up by Magpies coach Tarkyn Lockyer sparked his young side, demanding his players to change the trend of the game. The trend certainly changed in the third quarter as Collingwood kicked eight unanswered goals to the delight of the Victoria Park crowd. The Zebras could only manage a behind.
After holding a 48 point lead at the previous changed, Sandringham became the hunters after going into the final change trailing by one goal. McPhee had one message for his men.
“We need to fight, furiously.”
“We’re second to the ball, I need a stronger effort.”
The Magpies momentum continued in the fourth period. A free kick in the goal square was easy pickings for Jackson Paine as he extended the hosts’ lead to two goals.
When Myke Cook snapped a ripping goal for Sandringham, the question was would that be what ignites the Zebras? Collingwood’s big names started to get their hands on the ball however missed opportunities would cost them dearly. A great team goal involving Tom Ledger and Curren resulted in an Archer goal. Sandringham took the lead back via a Siposs steal and successful conversion. Saad then kicked his second pushing the margin to 13. Collingwood fought back late through Ricky Ferraro in what was looking like an ANZAC Day match finish. Saad stopped any run by the Magpies when he drilled his third for the day. Coleman then sealed the win for Sandringham when he kicked his third.
After the game, McPhee was a relieved man in what was a thrilling match.
“We were beaten in nearly all facets of the game in that third quarter, it has happened in the last two week so that’s the last three weeks in a row, we are just fortunate to get over the line this week.
“Something to certainly take out of it (is) the fighting qualities, they didn’t chuck it in, they were a couple of goals down at that stage, they hung in there and ended up having a good win.”
In the other rooms, Lockyer expressed disappointment and frustration.
“An up and down game, the second quarter was a bit of an issue. We were clearly competitive for three quarters of the game, but we really have trouble arresting momentum at the moment.”
“It’s just disappointing; we had the opportunities throughout the game.
“The missed shots on goal, it was pretty much the trend of the day.”
Sandringham this week head home to host Bendigo, whilst Collingwood have the bye.
Last Modified on 30/04/2012 15:29