ZEBRAS PUT BOMBERS AWAY

[Demonland 73,140]

by Barry from Beach Road

Sandringham fought hard to overcome a determined Bendigo Bombers outfit by 29 points at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval on Saturday to record its eighth win of the season and maintain its hold on second position of the VFL ladder. With no AFL games on during the weekend and conditions generally fine, the match attracted a big crowd and the game was worthy of the attention it received.

Although the final margin might give the appearance of a comfortable victory, it was not as clear cut as it looked. The game was a hard fought struggle in which the Bombers never gave up and kept coming back on a number of occasions when the Zebras appeared to have taken control and it was Sandy's superior game style, the potency of its forward line and greater accuracy in front of goal that got it comfortably home in the end.

Sandy has a quite a few people to thank for that. Firstly, its dominant forward line including two six goal forwards Nick Sautner and Ezra Poyas and a centre half forward Nick Smith who booted three in a stunning final quarter after being unsighted for much of the rest of the game. Then there was the midfield led by a dominant ruckman in Shane Neaves, on ballers Peter Summers, Simon Godfrey and youngsters Nathan Jones and Shane Valentil. Together with Paul Wheatley who controlled his wing all day, they kept up a constant source of supply deep into attack throughout the game. The defence was its usual solid self capably led by Ryan Ferguson.

The Bombers were assisted by the inclusion of Scott Camporeale and Paddy Ryder who both played for Essendon last week and were given permission to play by the VFL because of their earlier layoff time with injury. Although placed second last on the VFL ladder, the Bombers were able to field a strong team that included 14 AFL listed players. Camporeale in particular, was a useful inclusion amassing 35 touches and he, along with fellow regular AFL Bombers Dyson and Lovett, helped make the game an interesting and at times exciting contest after Sandy had edged away to a four goal break by the end of the first quarter.

It took Bendigo just seven minutes of constant attacking at the beginning of the second term to grab a narrow lead, before the Zebras, with Sautner starring at full forward, struck back to regain control at the main break.

Sandringham’s defence led by the courageous Ryan Ferguson, his sidekick Matty Warnock, the enforcer Brad Miller, the dour Andy Biddlecombe and the safe and steady Chris Lamb gradually got on top of the Bombers allowing the Zebras to stretch their led to almost five goals before a flurry of late goals from the Bombers. An early final quarter goal brought the visitors to within striking distance but Sandy, again well led by the courageous Chad Liddell stood firm. It was now Smith’s turn to show his marking prowess and his several strong marks inside 50 netted him three goals and put the issue beyond doubt. Poyas, who was the star of the game, put the icing on the cake with a brilliant goal (his sixth) from a pocket after being denied what would have been his eleventh mark in a dazzling 26 possession display.

Sandringham faces some big tests in the coming weeks but none will serve as a better pointer for the remainder of the season than Sunday’s big game at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval against ladder leader, the Northern Bullants in what should be the VFL match of the year so far.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Daniel Bell - not one of his better games. Was off by three quarter time with what is apparently a recurrence of the groin problem he's had since earlier in the season.

Ryan Ferguson - a close to best on ground performance in defence where he let nothing through and provided an afternoon of his usual courageous and death defying aerobatics. Nineteen touches at centre half back is a solid game in anyone's language.

Simon Godfrey - a strong, hard and tough midfield performance from Godfrey that was supplemented with some good work around goal. A useful back up player for the Demon midfield if required.

Daniel Hughes - useful in his limited time on the ground. Took some strong marks and showed versatility with some good ground play as well.

Nathan Jones - a balanced performance from the hard working midfielder who showed that he is on the brink of a long AFL career. He would, in all likelihood, have made his debut at the top level if he was at most other clubs.

Brad Miller - provided a hard edge to the defensive unit and, although possible overshadowed by Ferguson, also put forward a strong case for inclusion in the Melbourne team to take on Port Adelaide this coming weekend.

Shannon Motlop - did a few useful things but was a bit too hot and cold for my liking. He should be more consistent in his performances at this level.

Shane Neaves - apart from a case of brain fade when he was called to play on late in the game and got caught holding the ball, he was the best big man on the field in yet another excellent performance.

Michael Newton - due to the composition of the team, he was restricted to a few minor cameos in which he showed glimpses of his potential. Still getting an education in the game and supporters will need to have patience.

Nick Smith - had a super final quarter after a quiet first three quarters. If only he can consistently dominate in the way he did in the last!

Matthew Warnock - a nice, quiet and unobtrusive game in defence where he backed up his team's key position players well and formed part of a winning defence.

Paul Wheatley - a welcome return to form after a few quiet games following a lay off with a groin injury. Picked up 26 disposals on a wing ran hard and deep into the forward line and was generally pinpoint accurate with his disposal.

Sandringham 7.4.46 11.5.71 17.8.120 22.10.142

Bendigo Bombers 3.4.22 9.6.60 14.9.93 17.11.113

Goals Poyas Sautner 6 Godfrey 3 Smith 3 Corp Gallagher Liddell Summers

Best Poyas Summers Ferguson Wheatley Godfrey Biddlecombe

When Sandringham reserves took on the Bendigo reserves at Windy Hill a month ago they were untroubled to beat the home team by 15 goals. Things were different this week when significantly different Sandy lineup took on the same opposition at home.

Without their two leading goalkickers for the season in Tom Mentiplay and Michael Newton (who kicked eight goals at Windy Hill), the home side struggled after wasting a number of opportunities in the first quarter. Mark Corrigan, who is recovering after serious knee injury, was Sandringham’s best and is pressing for promotion.

The Zebras will be desperate to keep their finals hopes alive with a win over fifth placed Northern Bullants this Sunday.

Sandringham 1.6.12 4.8.32 6.13.49 10.16.76

Bendigo Bombers 3.3.21 8.6.54 11.10.76 15.13.103

Goals Taranto 4 Paule Turcarelli 2 Corrigan Gianfagna

Best Corrigan Paterakis Paule Lockwood Taranto Johnston