ZEBRAS STRIKE GOLD

[Demonland 70,326]

by Ice Man Zebra

Sandringham survived an early scare from the lowly Bendigo Bombers to return to the winning list with a comfortable 43 point victory heading into its VFL Qualifying Final against Geelong at Port Melbourne next Saturday.

Full forward Nick Sautner led out the Zebras onto the historic goldfields ground in the absence of injured skipper Chad Liddell. David Gallagher was back in the team that started a red hot favourite against an undermanned opposition but the visitors appeared lethargic and slow in the early going against a committed Bendigo team that showed great determination. They caused the Zebras to play some sloppy football and the teams changed ends for the first time with Bendigo leading by 16 points.

When the Bombers booted the first goal of the second term there were some worried looks on the faces of the small but lively group of visiting supporters but fortunately the Sandy players regrouped. Whereas Bendigo controlled the rucks early in the game, there was a definite swing in the Zebra fortunes during the course of the second term with the players going more direct. This allowed them to take control of the central corridor and they fought their way back into the game to level the scores at half time.

The trend in favour of the Zebras was even more apparent after the main break as they got moving and took control of the game to skip away to a 31 point lead at three quarter time and then coasted to a comfortable victory with plenty of momentum to take into the finals.

The outstanding performer was midfielder Phil Read who had the ball on a string and fired on all four cylinders all day picking up 46 possessions including a goal with his unrelenting tough hard brand of football. Shannon Motlop booted two goals and was in electric form as he dazzled the Bendigo crowd with his own magical talents while Nathan Brown was also solid in the midfield.

After a slow start the defence was in super form and Andy Biddlecombe again set a high standard in this area along with Chris Lamb who has been steady as a rock in every game this year. Also reliable down back were Demon veterans Clint Bizzell and Alistair Nicholson as was rookie listed Mattthew Warnock.

Nick Smith, who was overlooked by the Demons after skipper David Neitz pulled out of the Geelong AFL game, kicked four goals and was again dangerous in ruck and pushing up forward. Ezra Poyas put in his usual scintillating performance up forward while the ever reliable Rod Crowe showed that he has struck good form in attack at the right end of the season.

The victory helped the Zebras to retain second place on the ladder ahead of the fast finishing Cats who won both encounters between the teams during the home and away season. However, Sandy's recent game against the Cats at the Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval was marred by some shocking inaccuracy on its part that is not likely to be repeated. The team has aperfect record in recent finals at Port Melbourne and will be out to turn the tables on the Cats in the Qualifying Final.

Sandringham 2.2.14 5.7.37 11.8.74 16.12.108

Bendigo Bombers 4.6.30 5.7.37 6.7.43 9.11.65

Goals Smith 4 Motlop 3 Crowe Sautner 2 Dunn Poyas Read Rigoni Summers

Best Read Lamb Crowe Poyas Biddlecombe Brown

Three young Zebras have made the under 23 South Representative Squad for an important game to be played in AFL Grand Final week at MC Labour Park (Optus Oval). Peter Summers and first year players Daniel Corp and Shane Valenti will have the opportunity to impress AFL talent scouts in the game to be played on 28 September 28 at 11am.

The following players have represented Sandringham in every senior game this year - Rod Crowe, Chris Lamb, Ezra Poyas, Nick Sautner, Nicholas Smith, Peter Summers and Shane Valenti.

The following Melbourne listed players are qualified to represent Sandringham in the finals this year:-

Daniel Bell, Clint Bizzell, Jace Bode, Nathan Brown, Simon Buckley, Lynden Dunn, Ryan Ferguson*, Andre Gianfagna**, Daniel Hughes, Chris Johnson, Nathan Jones, Brent Moloney**, Shannon Motlop, Shane Neaves, Michael Newton, Alistair Nicholson, Phil Read, Nick Smith, Matthew Warnock and Paul Wheatley*

* currently injured

** out for season

A maximum of 12 AFL listed players are permitted to play in a team in the VFL finals.

The Sandringham Reserves, led by a smashing twelve goal effort from full forward Michael Newton, demolished the lowly Bendigo reserves by 109 points in the early game. This allowed the team to finish the season with a positive win-loss ratio and a percentage of over 100, both of which would have been unthinkable during the club's mid season slump which saw it lose several close games and suffer a thrashing in the icy cold conditions at North Ballarat.

Sandy was out of the blocks early with midfielder Guy Martyn in exceptional form capping off an excellent month in the run into the finals. Simon Buckley put in a polished performance and is looking to push for a senior recall with skill levels lifting dramatically in most positions on the ground.

Newton, who finished the home and away series as the competition’s leading goalkicker despite playing a number of games in the seniors, was outstanding with his strong marking and accurate kicking for goal and his cause was assisted by a winning ruck led by Ewan McKenzie and a brilliant midfield. The defence headed up by the consistent Mark Gibb, Adam Martin and Kenton Hall was solid all day and let very little through.

Sandy will now play Box Hill in the elimination final as the curtain raiser to the seniors final on Saturday.

Sandringham 8.5.53 10.12.72 19.16.130 25.23.173

Bendigo Bombers 2.0.12 4.5.29 6.8.44 9.10.64

Goals Newton 12 Martyn 3 Fleming Johnston Paule Turcarelli 2 Cleeve Mentiplay

Best Martyn Newton Buckley Mentiplay Paterakis Hall

The following players have represented Sandringham in every reserves game this year – Leigh Fletcher and Mark Lockwood.