Zebs prevail in a one-point thriller
22/07/2024
Zebs overturn a 35-point deficit to take the win
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Photography by Sean Pualic
In a nail-biting conclusion, Isaac Keeler’s two pivotal last-quarter goals secured a thrilling one-point comeback victory for Sandy over the Southport Sharks.
In a commanding final quarter, we produced a heart-pounding finish against a formidable opposition at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday afternoon, as we continue to compete for a finals berth.
Keeler’s two decisive goals in the final term, firstly at the six-minute mark following a brilliant lead and conversion to bring us within three-points, and the second with a stunning contested mark and snap in the driving rain at the 25-minute mark to take the lead, were key to our epic win.
The sting for Southport was sharper after they extended their lead to 35-points midway through the third quarter, with five unanswered goals and a barrage of behinds that could have ended the contest.
Despite the wintry conditions, Jake Batchelor’s Zebs rose to the challenge and steadily chipped away at the deficit bit by bit, with Paddy Dow (32 disposals, 15 kicks, 11 clearances), Tom Campbell (19 disposals, 32 hit-outs, one goal), and Zaine Cordy (19 disposals, 11-intercept marks) orchestrating the comeback in spectacular style and affirming the Zebs as genuine finals contenders.
Operating in tandem, Max Heath and Campbell formed a dominant ruck combination, convincingly winning the hit-outs 54-33 and supplying our midfield with premium opportunities as we also claimed the clearance count 51-41.
Although Southport maintained ascendency for the opening half as inaccuracy plagued us, it was late in the third quarter when a trademark rebound 50 resulted in a goal to Oliver Lowe, which ignited our comeback, adding three more majors in seven minutes and reducing the deficit to 11-points before the final term.
Matthew Allison’s (18 disposals, nine marks, eight score involvements) positional switch down back proved vital to thwarting the Sharks’ attacks, with fellow Zebs Ben Paton and Tarkyn O’Leary combining for 18 intercept possessions to launch several successful defensive transitions of play.
Darby Hipwell’s (23 disposals, one goal) and Hugo Hall-Kahan’s (25 disposals, one goal) clean play in unforgiving conditions was critically important in the final term to hold Southport goalless, while Olli Hotton’s match-high seven tackles ensured the ball remained locked in our forward half.
In what could be a season-defining match, our elite pressure around the contest and ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities ultimately proved the key factors as we took home the four points.
Sandringham Zebras 2.3 2.5 6.9 8.12 60
Southport Sharks 4.2 6.6 8.8 8.11 59
Our next game is at Windy Hill against the Essendon Bombers, Sunday July 28th at 1:05pm.
Written by Digby Verlander - Sandringham FC Media