Sandringham Reserves bowed out of the finals race after suffering its biggest defeat of the year against Williamstown in the VFL Reserves First Semi Final at TEAC Oval, Port Melbourne on Saturday falling by 83 points just a week after they narrowly went down to North Ballarat in the Elimination Final.
Playing against a Williamstown team that was able to focus entirely on its reserves finals campaign because neither the AFL Magpies nor the VFL Seagull seniors are in the finals, the undermanned Zebras struggled from start to finish. Sandy left out Demon listed players Cameron Hunter and Chris Johnson while leading players in the much improved Toby Conroy, Matthew Warnock and Matt Gadsen who have forced their way into the senior line up were not considered for selection. To make matters worse, the strongly built Tom Mentiplay was off injured during the second term.
The game was played under clear blue skies but the centre square was muddy and the conditions suited the physically stronger Seagulls who broke away for a 13-point lead at the first break. The Zebras came back late in the term but a turnover and goal on the half time siren saw Willy in a strong position which it capitalised upon by running away with the game in the third and final quarters.
Skipper Robbie Ferraro was one of his team's mainstays in the middle and ruckman Stephen Ott battled hard all day but there were few consistent performers on the day. Leigh Fletcher was good in patches as was Marc Johnston who is the son of former Carlton and Prahran star Wayne Johnston. Defenders John Tabrett, Tim Kight, Kenton Hall and Rod Crowe worked hard but it was all to no avail as Williamstown ran out winners 24.13.157 to 12.2.74.
Sandringham 3.1.19 7.1.43 9.1.55 12.2.74
Williamstown 5.2.32 11.4.70 17.8.110 24.13.157
Goals Fletcher 3 Carson Thompson Zantuck 2 Ferraro Kight Lewski
Best Ott Ferraro Hall Tabrett Kight Johnston
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Friday, October 8: The Annual Golf Day will be held at the Long Island Golf Course. Sponsorships are available, Individual Players $140 includes golf, food and drinks. Bookings - 9598 8629.
Saturday, October 9: Presentation Night at the Bentleigh Club, Yawla Street Bentleigh. $50 pp. includes a three course dinner. Drinks at bar prices. Bookings - 9598 8629.
Last Modified on 18/02/2008 14:36