ZEBRAS DELIVER IN THE GLOOM by Barry from Beach Road

Sandringham delivered a crushing blow to the Bendigo Bombers at the Trevor Barker Beach Oval yesterday when they left the visitors floundering after producing two stunning ten-goal quarters with the aid of the strong breeze in the first and third terms respectively to set the scene for the team's second big victory on end.

Skipper Peter Summers won the toss and had no hesitation taking the northerly wind advantage and kicking to the Alf Beus Can Hill end of the ground. It took no longer than twenty seconds from the opening bounce for the decision to pay dividends when Addam Maric snapped a beautiful angle goal from 50 metres out to start proceedings. Three minutes into the game and further goals from Ezra Poyas and Nick Sautner had set the tone for the day. The Bombers steadied for a few moments with a goal of their own but the Zebra onslaught continued.

With young Jake Spencer controlling the rucks and Shane Valenti and Summers irresistible on the ball, the scoreboard ticked over at the rate of knots with goals shared among the players. Ben Holland was the perfect foil for Sautner in the forward pocket and Rod Crowe was putting in the hard work at centre half forward. Most pleasing for Zebra fans would have been the contributions of newcomers Shane Tregear and first gamer Chris Waller, a local from Beaumaris, who not only fitted nicely into the team but each scored some great goals.

Despite the Zebras losing Poyas with a leg injury by the first change, the game was effectively over as a contest as they led of 50 points and they added to Bendigo's woes by managing to bottle up the game very effectively in the second quarter when, despite kicking into the strong breeze, they managed two goals to Bendigo’s three for the term. By the main break, they held a commanding 43-point lead and had the knowledge that they had the wind advantage to come on their return to the ground.

The visitors were however, not be deterred. They managed to boot the first two goals of the second half to draw to within 31 points but any suggestion of complacency on the part of the Zebras was snuffed out quickly. A free kick from an infringement by the Bendigo runner allowed Chris Johnson to goal and the procession began again. By three quarter time Sandringham led by 89-points as a dark gloom descended on the ground.

The Bendigo players applied themselves in the final quarter and outscored Sandy by five goals to two but it was not enough to stave off a solid 70-point victory for the Zebras by 24.15.159 to 13.11.89.

Sandringham coach Andy Lovell was happy with the way his charges have responded in the past two weeks to their narrow defeats at the hands of stand alone sides Port Melbourne and Frankston in Rounds 2 and 3. He told reporters after the game that he was particularly pleased with the team’s performance in the tough conditions:

"Last week I thought we played really well for two quarters, (today) we played really well for three. We were really team-focused and everyone played their part. In the second quarter we didn't play the conditions too well."

His team had no shortage of good players with Valenti's 15 kicks and 19 handballs for the day heralding an outstanding performance of on ball mastery. Coming in the wake of David Neitz's long term injury listing at Melbourne, his best on ground performance could well open the door for him as far as his AFL career possibilities are concerned.

Peter Summers (25 touches) and former skipper Chad Liddell were inspirational with their strength and hard work while Demons Matthew Bate and Adem Yze (16 kicks, 12 handballs, two marks and two goals) added a lot of bite and much skill to the team. Ben Holland and Nick Sautner finished with four goals each although Holland might have been a trifle unlucky when his shot at goal after the siren was adjudged a point.

Although it was not under a great deal of pressure this week, the defence was as usual rock solid. Stef Martin was great in the unfamiliar centre half back position and Simon Buckley (33 disposals) and Chris Johnson were irresistible as running half backs who turned defence into attack in the blink of an eye.

The Zebras have a week off as they prepare for their next assignment – a tough road trip to Point Gellibrand where their old rivals Williamstown await them.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Matthew Bate - after a slow start, Bate hit his straps after the first break to be an effective cog in the Sandy midfield. He showed enough class to indicate that a return to the Melbourne side in the near future is warranted.

Jace Bode - did what was required of him without being spectacular in the last line of defence.

Simon Buckley - gave great drive coming off a half back flank and showed out with his speed of movement and his preparedness to back up his teammates. Finished with 33 disposals and will certainly see more games in the red and blue this season.

Kyle Cheney - in only his second game at this level, he was impressive with his composure and his refusal to be beaten. He kept improving as the game went on and by the end of the game he showed he was right at home among the big boys.

Ben Holland - provided a target up forward and used his body well to finish with four goals.

Chris Johnson - moved well through the lines and his delivery of the ball was excellent. He didn't hurt his cause with a strong attacking game that also netted two goals.

Stefan Martin - continues to impress with his progress. Completely blanketed his opponent, showed strength and defensive flair, marked well, punched the ball away when necessary and showed great courage at times.

Addam Maric - an exciting X factor player who shows out with his pace, good hands and kicking skills. Set the tome for the day with a beautiful snap for goal in the first twenty seconds and was used to good effect in a number of positions over the ground.

John Meesen - a reasonable game in the ruck but it was against ordinary opposition.

Jake Spencer - solid in the ruck where he started the ball rolling for his team. Did a few nice things but still has a lot to learn in his general play around the ground.

Shane Valenti - is defying his critics with his hard-nosed, non-stop work at the stoppages and around the ground. The dominant ball magnet midfielder not only picked up 34 touches for the day but also laid some crunching tackles on opponents and was always found working his butt off at the bottom of the packs.

Adem Yze - his best game this season. Showed out with a few touches of his old magic, including a lovely mark and goal and was also prepared to run hard and tackle opponents. Got plenty of the ball.

Sandringham 10.4.64 12.5.77 22.12.144 24.15.159

Bendigo Bombers 2.2.14 5.4.34 8.7.55 13.11.89

Goals

Sandringham Holland Sautner 4 Tregear 3 Bate T Johnston Liddell Waller Yze 2 Bode Maric Poyas

Bendigo Bombers Daniher 4 Williams 2 Coghlan Crameri Dick Hartigan Holmes Johnson Skipworth

Best

Sandringham Summers Valenti Crowe C Johnson Bode Liddell

Bendigo Bombers Daniher Chartres Skipworth Hislop Atkinson Holmes

The Zebra reserves crushed Bendigo Bombers to retain top spot on the VFL Reserves Ladder.

Andrew Eaton, in his first game, and Trent Zomer each booted four goals and Tom Dean, Marc Johnston and Sam Monahan all staked claims for a senior berth with stand out displays.

Reserves

Sandringham 3.4.22 11.6.78 15.13.103 21.15.141

Bendigo Bombers 1.1.7 3.2.20 5.5.35 8.9.57

Goals

Sandringham Eaton Zomer 4 Monaghan Weetra 2 Cleeve Hardiman Lockwood Lyall McConnell McNamara Plymin Shakaib Vickers

Bendigo Bombers Ford Stroobants 2 Davies Granger Mathieson Thomson

Best

Sandringham Dean M Johnston Monaghan McConnell Plymin Lockwood

Bendigo Bombers Weeks Wanganeen Granger Ayton Ford Stroobants

Well, the list of players set out here will be well worth studying in advance of next week's team selection.

I can't believe that Bate, Buckley, Maric, Martin and yes ... Adem Yze won't come under consideration this week. Also "Juice" Newton could also come close.