BOUNCING BACK

by Ice Station Zebra

Sandringham bounced back from last week's loss to Box Hill by recording a convincing 11-goal rout of traditional rival Port Melbourne at the TEAC Oval on Sunday.

Following their poor display in the rain at home, coach Mark Williams required his charges to refocus their efforts during the week and they rewarded him by coming out and showing great spirit and playing a far more committed brand of football on the day. This was despite an unproductive start to the game when they failed to score a goal in the opening quarter thanks to some more wayward kicking for goal.

The game was played in blustery conditions and both sides struggled to kick goals early. The Borough had first use of the wind but managed just one goal but that was enough to hold down a five-point lead in a battle of defences. Both teams played wide and kept away from the corridor, which explains the fact that a single goal was scored from more than a dozen shots at the big sticks.

Zebra defender Andy Biddlecombe had the job of holding down Port danger man Jeremy Dukes, who booted six goals last week. He stuck to the task manfully all day and kept his opponent down to just one goal. At the other end of the ground, Nick Sautner was also well held to just one major for the match – kicked on the siren at three quarter time.

After the first break, things changed dramatically. First Michael Newton and then Ezra Poyas lit up the Zebra forward line with a swag of goals as the team maintained a relentless attack on the football and took away the initiative from the home side. Newton kicked three in the second term and produced a magnificent display of marking, tackling and application marred only by some erratic kicking for goal. His tally at the half time break was three goals four behinds with two shots out of bounds. While he continued to play well into the third term, he copped a corkie and sat out the last.

By half time, Sandy had kicked six goals to open up a handy lead of 28 points. Poyas had been relatively subdued since incurring a hamstring injury in the state match against WA was back in his element in this game and he was inspired in the third term as he piled on the goals after having been taken off earlier for an indiscretion. He finished with five goals for the game.

Sandringham's defence did its job in the first three quarters, particularly Biddlecombe, Chris Lamb at centre half back and Demons Nathan Brown and Matthew Whelan. They gave plenty of run out of the backline finding space and setting up many attacking moves. Whelan unfortunately sustained a hand injury in the third quarter and also sat out the final term.

The team also received great drive from the likes of Peter Summers, Shane Valenti and David Gallagher who was back to his usual lively self. They, in turn, had the benefit of an armchair ride from Shane Neaves who staved off Port ruckman David Fanning and was well assisted in his task by Mark Jamar coming back from injury.

The last quarter was an attacking free for all with Rod Crowe, Chris Johnson and Lynden Dunn proving to be very productive and Brad Miller kicking a couple to close off a high scoring quarter which contrasted greatly with the way the game started.

Coach Williams went into the game with a tall forward line but managed the rotation of his men well. After quarter time his efforts to develop a winning set up was assisted by the fact that he had a team playing with confidence, that was fluent in its disposal and excellent in its decision-making. For all that however, the Zebras will not want a lapse in concentration again. They have a bye coming up followed by some hard tasks away from home in the coming weeks.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED (with thanks to Demonland contributors)

Immediately after the game coach Williams was pleased with the contribution of the Melbourne players.

"Buckley, Whelan, Brown, Johnson, Garland were all fantastic . . . Newton," he said.

Surely that last name after the dramatic pause wasn't an afterthought, was it?

Sandringham used the maximum possible number of Melbourne listed players. Ryan Ferguson also came back through the Sandy Reserves where he joined Heath Neville, Isaac Weetra and Daniel Hayes. Ferguson was the pick of the Melbourne players in that side.

Here's how the Demon Dozen went in the Zebra seniors -

Jace Bode - although not prominent, he had a tagging role and performed it well.

Nathan Brown - was his usual self playing the typical Doggy game linking up out of defence into attack.

Simon Buckley- flashed in an out, using his speed and skills but without dominating.

Lynden Dunn - had an excellent game. Was initially played as a half forward, but was also moved into midfield on a wing, continually pushing up. It was a good four quarter effort and he was terrific in the second half when he got a heap of the ball.

Colin Garland - had a super first half across half-back but went missing in the third before he snuck forward and kicked a great long goal in the last. Still learning the game both in defence and up forward but is developing nicely.

Mark Jamar - this was his first game back from injury and did a good job when on although really only used to give Neaves a break. The main thing is that it was good for him to get the run under his belt. Took a few of his big marks but really needed the run and seemed tired late in the game.

Chris Johnson - a fairly subdued opening but improved as the game progressed and blossomed in the second half with his characteristic long left-footers, including a goal. Must be close to getting a run at Melbourne from just this week's performance

Brad Miller - a reasonable game at centre half forward where he presented up well and his ball use and decision making were pretty good. Kicked a couple of goals when he pushed forward late in the game.

Shane Neaves - did an excellent job the ruck beating Fanning who had a big say in Port's win last week.

Michael Newton - had a super first half marking everything that came his way. Also put on some strong tackles including a sensational run down early in the match which set the tone for his day. Had less of an impact after half time and spent the entire final quarter on the bench. A chance to break into the Melbourne side some time soon.

Matthew Warnock - his was a solid defensive game without being spectacular. The main thing was that he beat his opponent which is what a coach asks of a defender.

Matthew Whelan - a great game from Whelan who was playing his third since his last injury and looked set for a recall but missed the final quarter and seemed to be favouring an injured wrist at the end of the game.

Sandringham 0.6.6 6.11.47 13.16.94 20.19.139

Port Melbourne 1.5.11 2.7.19 4.11.35 10.13.73

Goals

Sandringham Poyas 5 Newton 3 Dunn Liddell Miller Summers 2 Bode Garland C Johnson Sautner

Port Melbourne Pitt 5 Bonaddio 2 Dukes Nahas Rowe

Best

Sandringham Biddlecombe Whelan Brown Johnson Newton Garland

Port Melbourne Milhuisen Fanning Hazell Shaw Spriggs Pitt

The Sandy reserves took on the undefeated Borough reserves at TEAC Oval and, after a poor second quarter managed not only to make up a five goal deficit but actually held a lead of 15 points going into time on before allowing the home side back into the game with some late goals. Port went on to win by four points.

Guy Martyn was in outstanding form and big man Stefan Martin was also good. Both booted three goals. Ryan Ferguson's work in defence was a major bonus for the team on comeback.

Sandringham 3.3.21 4.7.31 10.11.71 14.12.96

Port Melbourne 3.6.24 9.8.62 11.11.77 14.16.100

Goals

Port Melbourne Pearce 4 Dalton 3 Gilham Nayna 2 Cain Henshaw Thomas

Sandringham S Martin Martyn 3 Ferguson Gileno Monoghan 2 Dunne Gribbin

Best

Sandringham Martyn Martin Ferguson Dunne Tregear Paul

Port Melbourne Pearce Plymin Monteath Dalton Debruin Cain