STUNG

[Demonland 73,140]

by Barry from Beach Road

Sandringham ventured out to windswept Casey Fields with a very much undermanned team and, after fighting hard for most of the day, the Zebras were stung in the final quarter by the rampant Scorpions to finally lose by 32 points.

The game was close for most of the day and scores were level early in the final term when Shane Valenti goaled to lift the Zebras. However, if there was a sting in the end of the Scorpion tail, it was aided to a large extent by some undisciplined play from the visiting team. Sandringham gave away a series of fifty metre penalties in the latter stages of the game that saw its chances of victory unravel and the home side took full advantage to skip away to record an easy victory. The result also saw Sandy bounced out of the top four and facing a difficult challenge to restore a place among the top echelon of the VFL competition.

Sandringham opened brightly to hold a one goal lead at quarter time but it was clearly lacking in forward power - its top four goal kickers and the only ones to record goal tallies in the double figures for the season were all missing. Nick Sautner (40 goals), Addam Maric (15) Ezra Poyas (13), Ben Holland (12) were all sidelined. With promising youngster Shane Tregear also out injured, the visitors were left with no other option but to cobble together a makeshift attack which struggled all day to kick goals.

The growing injury list at Melbourne also affected the team makeup and the last minute withdrawal of seasoned defender Matthew Whelan did not help. However, the Scorpions were not without their injuries worries either and the game developed into a lacklustre affair and remained a battle of the defences for most of the day until the Zebras cracked in the final term.

Sandringham did not help its cause with its inaccuracy in front of goal and the third quarter was where the damage was done when it scored 2 goals 7 behinds (including two posters) to Casey’s 3.2 to lose a perfect opportunity to take what should have been a handy lead into the final quarter. Things were not helped by the lack of discipline from experienced players that gave the opposition a number of unnecessary free kicks and 50-metre penalties. Nathan Carroll was the biggest offender and his brain fade in the third quarter led him to be reported for charging. Rod Crowe however, would be scratching his head as to what he did wrong when he returned the football to an opponent who was lying on the ground only to incur a 50-metre penalty for his troubles.

Sandy was well served by skipper Peter Summers who overcame a slow start to notch up 30 disposals for the day and he was backed up well by livewire rover Shane Valenti. The Zebras received strong drive from ruckman Mark Jamar who showed out with his strong marking around the ground although the ruck duels were about even for the day. Defenders Andy Biddlecombe, Chris Lamb and Daniel Bell had their work cut out of them against the Scorpion talls but they generally stuck to their tasks manfully until that late tide of goals in the final quarter.

The depth of the Zebra reserve strength was again severely tested and the selectors would have been happy with the form of yet another first gamer introduced to the senior team - forward Andrew McConnell who was impressive on debut. The number of players who have come up from the reserves has now reached double figures and this signals a great deal of promise for the club's future.

Sandringham has little time to lick its wounds as it now faces a must win game at Trevor Barker Beach Oval next Sunday against Port Melbourne which won a close encounter last time the teams met earlier in the season. The Borough has usurped Sandy's place in the top four and another loss is unacceptable as it would create a sizeable gap for the club to breach as the season enters its final half.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Daniel Bell – after a poor first quarter, Bell’s game grew in confidence and stature. Used his strength to advantage and finished with 24 touches for the day.

Simon Buckley – again showed good pace and clean hands but his overall disposal and decision making still need working upon.

Nathan Carroll – defended solidly in the first half but frustration seemed to boil over in the third quarter with a couple of incidents and ultimately, his name ended up in the umpire’s report book for charging and he was taken from the ground.

Kyle Cheney – a very strong display full of courage from the young redhead who continues to impress with in the defensive aspects of his game. Will only get better as he learns to be more attacking. All in all, a very encouraging display.

Mark Jamar - played well in the ruck and around the ground and had a good duel with Casey’s Rix who was also good. Took some solid marks but still needs to work on his disposal.

Stefan Martin - the agile defender with a basketball background worked hard in the Zebra defence. He remains very much a development project with lots to learn but his progress is generally encouraging.

John Meesen – didn't have the best of days and, on that performance, looks to have a long way to go if he is to make it at the highest level. Shows some athleticism but lacks the football smarts.

Shane Valenti – played his usual hard at it game and was among his team’s best.

Trent Zomer – kicked a goal early but appeared out of his depth in a forward line that was undermanned and clearly struggling.

Sandringham 3.2.20 4.4.28 6.11.47 8.11.59

Casey Scorpions 2.2.14 5.3.33 8.5.53 14.7.91

Goals

Sandringham Biddlecombe Valenti 2 Buckley Crowe Dean Zomer

Casey Scorpions Allen 4 Armitage Rix 2 Fisher Howard Matthews Panozza Parker Waite

Best

Sandringham Biddlecombe Bell Valenti Summers Cheney Crowe

Casey Scorpions Armitage Silvagni Rix Matthews Panozza Allen

The Sandy Reserves had a tough encounter for the first three quarters in the early game and led by just eight points at the final change before a 10 goal final quarter sealed a 64-point victory that kept the team in third place on the ladder.

The game saw Demon forward Michael Newton come back from a string of injuries that have hampered his season to date and he booted four goals. Ricky Petterd, also on the comeback trail, was best on the ground in his second game at this level – both of which have been against the Scorpions in consecutive weeks. Scott Lockwood booted five goals and Sam Monaghan's continued good form was a highlight. Youngster Tom McNamara was solid.

Sandringham 1.2.8 7.8.50 9.10.64 19.14.128

Casey Scorpions 3.2.20 4.4.28 8.8.56 9.10.64

Goals

Sandringham Lockwood 5 Newton 4 Cleeve Monaghan 2 Kondarovskis B Liddell Petterd Sargent Summons Weetra

Casey Scorpions Mercoulia 3 Galvin 2 Fridman Leung Mohr Williams

Best

Sandringham Petterd Monaghan McNamara Newton Lockwood Hardiman

Casey Scorpions Galvin Mercoulia Youle Terry Fridman Crespin