Match Report: Round 2 vs Richmond

31/03/2025

The Zebras played their second match against Richmond at RSEA Park

Photography by Grace Middleton

The Sandringham Zebras took on the VFL Richmond Tigers on an overcast Saturday afternoon at RSEA Park, looking to make an early statement against a tough opponent.

The Zebras wasted no time, with Misilifi Faimalo snapping truly inside the first minute to give Sandringham the perfect start. Richmond responded soon after, capitalizing on a couple of kicking errors to slot their first major.

Harry Boyd was providing great ruck work, allowing the Zebras midfielders to get clean entries inside 50, which lead to a goal from Josh Hutchings for the second of the match. Sandringham’s defensive unit stood tall, with Jack Cheep taking an intercept mark on the goal line, while Arie Schoenmaker and Cheep combined for crucial spoils to repel Richmond’s attacks.

The Zebras were efficient early, converting three of their first four inside 50 entries into goals, with Zaine Cordy nailing a set shot to extend the lead. The Tigers hit back with a goal of their own, before Liam Henry showcased his range, launching a long set shot from outside 50 that sailed through for a goal. Jonah Campigli and Faimalo applied intense defensive pressure, each laying huge tackles to win holding-the-ball free kicks, but Richmond managed to keep themselves in touch with another goal late in the quarter. At the first break, Sandringham held a slim lead, 4.0 (24) to 3.3 (21).

The second quarter started with Sandringham dominating field position, locking the ball inside 50 for multiple entries but struggling to find the finishing touch. 

Momentum began to shift as Richmond slotted back-to-back long-range goals, taking the lead for the first time in the game. However, the Zebras relentless pressure forced a turnover inside 50, allowing Jet Peckett to snap a goal and bring them right back into the contest. Hugh Boxshall continued his defensive efforts with a strong tackle to deny Richmond a clean entry forward.

At the main break, the game remained tight, with Richmond holding a narrow 5.6 (36) to 5.4 (34) lead, setting the stage for an exciting second half.

The Tigers struck first after halftime with an early set shot goal, extending their lead. However, strong defensive work from Schoenmaker and McLennan led to an inside 50 entry where Faimalo found Schoenmaker on the run, who then drilled a long-range goal to keep the Zebras in touch. Ethan Williams impressed with an intercept mark, while Faimalo capitalised on a free kick to slot an easy set shot, handing Sandringham back the lead.

William Johnson then made his mark on debut, slotting his first goal in Zebras colours with a long-range snap following a big defensive effort. Sandringham continued their forward momentum, as Cordy snapped from 35 meters out to push the lead further. Richmond responded with a set shot goal, but tensions boiled over as the Tigers gave away a costly 50-meter penalty, allowing Boxshall to convert an easy goal. Billy Richardson then stepped up, kicking a booming 50-meter set shot to give Sandringham a commanding 11.8 (74) to 7.9 (51) lead at the final break.

Richmond came out firing in the last quarter, kicking a goal within the first 30 seconds before adding another from an inside 50 entry to close the gap. The Tigers’ momentum continued as they slotted a third unanswered goal, bringing the margin down to just five points. McLennan provided a crucial rundown tackle to halt their charge, while Sandringham fought to keep the ball locked in their forward half.

As the game reached its final moments, Richmond surged forward repeatedly, managing to level the scores at 74 a piece with just seconds remaining. In heartbreaking fashion for the Zebras, a Richmond forward had a set shot after the siren, converting to secure an 80-74 victory for the Tigers in a dramatic finish.

Sandringham Zebras: 4.0      5.4       11.8       11.8     (74)

Richmond Tigers:        3.3       5.6         7.9      11.14    (80)   

The Zebras will look to bounce back next week at Blacktown ISP against GWS on Sunday April 6th at 9:30am.

Written by Liam Brauer Sandringham FC Media