Zebras Escape Lions in Final Practice Match of 2018

02/04/2018

COBURG                     3.2       3.4       6.7       11.12 (78)

SANDRINGHAM         4.2       6.7       13.14   19.17 (131)

GOALS

Weller 5, Lonie 3, Battle 3, Marshall 2, Langlands 2, Connellan, Dunstan, Wright, Answerth

MAJOR BALL WINNERS

Dunstan 36, Answerth 35, Weller 25, Cook 25, Rice 24, White 22

Written by Jess Mackay

Just one week out from Round 1, Sandringham have given fans plenty to look forward to with a big win over Coburg on Good Friday. The Zebras defeated the Lions 19.17 (131) to 11.12 (78) at Pirahna Park.
 

With an early goal from Jack Lonie in the first quarter, it was obvious to all that the Zebras had shown up with something to prove. The goals kept coming, and there was a real intensity brought to the match early on from both sides.
 

Despite Coburg also scoring with high frequency during the first quarter, Sandringham refused to let them run away with it. As a result, the quarter ended with a lead of 5 points.
 

The big ground meant both teams were forced to kick long and move the ball quickly down the ground, and considering the beautiful conditions, kicking efficiency was vital.
 

Strong forward pressure from Lonie and Maverick Weller gave the Zebras a much needed edge over the opposition and at half time the lead had been extended to 25 points.
 

The backline held tight, with both Hugh Goddard and Jack Noone making strong intercepts and had Coburg second guessing at times when entering their forward 50.
 

At the end of the third quarter, the lead had been extended to 47 points, with the boys really sharing the ball around and all of the forwards getting involved in the scoring.
 

Both sides had a number of scoring opportunities in the last quarter with 11 goals kicked between both teams. The Zebras ended up extending their lead making the final margin 53 points.
 

Kade Answerth and Luke Dunstan had 30+ disposals each, and a goal to their names. They seemed to be just about everywhere on the ground.
 

Maverick Weller had a huge game, kicking 5 goals and having 25 touches.
 

Tall midfielder Nick Coffield laid some major ball-winning tackles finishing with 8 to his name and really playing his part through the midfield.