Zebras swooped by Seagulls in tough conditions

27/03/2018

SANDRINGHAM         0.1       3.8       3.10     5.11 (41)

WILLIAMSTOWN        3.6       5.8       9.15     12.18 (90)

GOALS

Haidon, Nissenbaum, Wright, Dunstan, Seccull

MAJOR BALL WINNERS

Rice 24, Dunstan 22, Phillips 21, Seccull 20, Coffield 17

Written by Jess Mackay

Sandringham struggled to adapt to the elements in a tough practice match against Williamstown on Saturday, going down 5.11 (41) to 12.18 (90). But there were promising signs in the trying conditions.

The wet weather seemed to influence Sandringham’s ability to score early on, with players struggling to get clear and put the ball inside the forward 50.

Unfortunately, Williamstown were able to overcome the challenging weather conditions a lot sooner and had the ball in their possession for most of the first quarter.

Even though the ball was inside Williamstown’s forward line fairly regularly, our backline and midfield held up well.

Myke Cook fought hard, getting low to the ground and had eyes only for the ball, putting the pressure on the Seagulls’ forwards to work for their scoring opportunities.

Rowan Marshall laid some crucial tackles, and did well managing to win possession when the ball was in dispute.

The second quarter was much more solid and there was a visibly stronger desire to drive the ball inside the forward line. There was a clear message throughout the team to move the ball down the ground and just get it deep inside 50.  

While targets were hard to find in the wet, the strong attack on the ball did not go unrewarded. Even though his set shots dropped short more than once, Jack Lonie’s forward pressure and impact on the game was evident.

The midfield held strong forcing plenty of turnovers in the middle, and really making the most of every opportunity.

With the ball often getting held up in the difficult conditions, the clearances from the midfield into the forward 50 were starting to flow.

Goals from Luke Dunstan, Kane Nissenbaum and Jono Haidon in the second quarter finally got the Zebras on the board and gave the side a much needed lift in morale.

Unfortunately the game really got away from Sandringham in the third quarter. Williamstown kicked 4.7, while the Zebras scored just 3 behinds.

Despite a much stronger final quarter from the boys, the margin was too large and Williamstown had all of the momentum.

New recruit Brede Seccull played an outstanding game all over the ground, applying great pressure to the opposition and being rewarded with 20 disposals and a goal.

Key St Kilda inclusions Sam Gilbert, Luke Dunstan, Tom Hickey and Josh Battle made their mark in a struggling Sandy side but couldn’t get the boys over the line.