Match Report v Hawks | Round 12

23/06/2019

SANDRINGHAM    1.4        2.5         4.7          6.10    (46)
BOX HILL                3.2        7.6         9.8        12.11   (83)

In greasy conditions, that saw a mud-filled centre square due to consistent rain across the day, Sandringham fell to Box Hill by 37 points at Box Hill City Oval.

The two sides were playing for the Blue Ribbon Cup, awarded in remembrance of two police officers who were shot in the line of duty in 1988.

Sam Fox was subsequently awarded a medal for being Sandringham's best afield player, after his display of 18 disposals and two goals attempted to breathe life back into the Zebras game.

Through less than ideal conditions, it proved difficult for the Zebras to gain much clean possession. The Zebras were pressed early, and Box Hill capitalised.

Avenues to goal proved hard to come by too, with set shots drifting wide or short as the water-logged ball became a concern.

Robbie Young, in freezing conditions, came out hot and slotted his first for the day early into the first term. However, it was all Box Hill from then on, taking a commanding lead at the end of the first quarter.

King's injury last week proved costly for the Zebras, and were often unmatched with makeshift forward Jake Batchelor one of the main targets deep.

Despite a four goal second term to the Hawks, Nathan Brown provided some great moments in defence, proving a solid acquisition for the Zebras in round 12. Brown was often the last man in defence and stopped plenty of Box Hill opportunities, rarely being beaten one on one.

Kai Owens received a free kick in which he was able to convert, but otherwise scoring proved difficult for the Zebras, as Box Hill extended their lead to 31 points at the half.

Box Hill came out of the rooms ready to hold maintain their lead, working hard to keep numbers around each contest. Rowe was the first Zebra to break free in the third term, adding to his 21 hitouts for the game with a goal.

Fox started a handy run for Sandringham after going back with the flight to mark the ball at half back. This bit of play from the Zebras sparked a great zig-zag of ball movement, as we were able to cleanly move the ball inside our forward 50.

Fox eventually followed up his tenacious work rate to receive a 50m penalty in which he kicked truly from the goal square.

A few errant errors from Sandringham, devastatingly in our defensive half resulted in Box Hill goals as Oscar Hanrahan, brother of Sandringham's debutant Angus, kicked his fourth goal.

Box Hill held up well in the fourth, as itt seemed like whenever the threat of a Sandringham attack had started, Box Hill had answers. Fox was able to finally break the lock, adding to his tally towards the end of the final quarter to become Sandringham’s only multiple goalscorer.

While tackles were hard to come by, Sandringham landed 22 more than the Hawks. Captain Brede Seccull laid nine, while Rice wrapped up his opponent on eight occasions.

Darragh Joyce was a marshal down back, leading the Zebras with 22 disposals and five marks, whereas Nick Coffield had 19 disposals with five tackles. 

Ben Paton continued a brilliant two weeks with 22 disposals including six marks.

Next week the boys will be back home at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, facing Richmond for Ashfords Round 13 and the VFL's Love the Game Round.