The Sandringham Zebras ran out winners over Geelong in a classic finals match at TEAC Oval on Saturday.
A few injury scares reduced the Zebras to only one fit man on the bench, but finals experience is very important at this time of year and the Zebras called on every ounce of it to get over the line.
Super performances from Biddlecombe, Bizzell and Lamb who covered well in defence after an early injury to Warnock left the back six a bit short.
Through the middle Phil Read continued his amazing late season form with 35 quality touches and Peter Summers was everywhere.
Nick Sautner showed he has pleanty left in the tank for a solid finals tilt booting 7 goals and Ezra Poyas played well across half forward. Lynden Dunn had a great last quarter and young gun Shane Valenti showed he is a star of the future with an impressive display.
The Seniors now have the week off and will play the winner of Northern Bullants v Frankston in a preliminary final on either Saturday 16 or Sunday 17 September.
The reserves went into their elimination final full of confidence after an excellent finish to the season but met a better side on the day in the Box Hill Hawks. Sandy played some great footy in patches but could never peg back the early lead established through the Hawks early dominace of the marking contests. Great signs for the future as this Sandy side was considerably younger than that of their opponents and will look to improve on this years effort when season 2007 kicks off in April.
Stay tuned for Barry's match report.
Seniors: Sandringham 20.16-136
def.
Geelong 17.13-115 Sandringham Goal Kickers: N. Sautner 7, S. Valenti 3, N. Smith 2, C. Liddell, E. Poyas, R. Crowe, C. Johnson, P. Read, L. Dunn, D. Hughes, M. Corrigan
Best Players: P. Read, E. Poyas, D. Gallagher, P. Summers, N. Sautner, D. Hughes
Geelong Goal Kickers: K. Kingsley 4, C. Gardiner 3, H. Playfair 2, J. Cheep 2, A. Cook, M. McCarthy, K. Tenace, J. Byrne, M. Stokes, T. Varcoe
Best Players: M. Stokes, S. Byrnes, K. Kingsley, M. Blake, T. Grima, A. Cook
Reserves: 20.15-135 Box Hill Hawks
def.
16.13-109 Sandringham Box Hill Hawks Goal Kickers: E. Johnson 5, J. Cook 4, P. Jolley 3, N. Kane 2, A. Marguccio 2, S. Daniher, S. Gibson, D. Marcius, P. Carse
Best Players: E. Johnson, S. Rudolph, M. Crook, J. Holmes, A. Quinn, C. Pedersen
Sandringham Goal Kickers: M. Newton 6, D. Turcarelli 3, M. Johnston, D. Corp, G. Martyn, P. McGettigan, N. Tsindos, A. Fleming, T. Paule
Best Players: A. Fleming, M. Johnston, D. Corp, D. Turcarelli, T. Paule, G. Martyn
Last Modified on 18/02/2008 17:11