Sandringham hosted Box Hill at Trevor Barker Beach Oval with perfect conditions on Saturday for the Elimination Final. However Box Hill were too classy for the Zebras winning by 30 points, 18.10 (118) to 14.4 (88), as Nick Ciantar reports.
Both teams started strongly in the first quarter. Beau Dowler was moved up forward yet again and kicked the first goal of the day. The intensity was strong and the first quarter went goal for goal. Jackson Coleman went off the ground for the Zebras with a knee injury and played no further part in the game. At quarter time the Zebras led by 12 points.
The Hawks started the second quarter impressively, with a great clearance by Matthew Jones who kicked to Broc McCauley who goaled. Tom Curren increased his work rate and kicked a goal after tapping it to himself in the ruck. The Zebras maintained a two goal lead before the Hawks kicked the last two goals of the quarter. The Hawks had the momentum into the main break and the scores were even at 8.2 (50).
Box Hill started the third quarter just like they finished the second. They kicked the first four goals and got out to a 24 point lead. The Hawks’ ball use and pressure was outstanding and they kept the Zebras out of their forward line. The Hawks were able to win the ball out of the middle through the impressive ruck work of Max Bailey, Adam Pattison and McCauley. The Zebras got their first goal of the quarter at the 15 minute mark through Daniel Markworth. Marcus Marigliani kicked the Zebras second in a row and got the Zebras within three goals. Young Hawk Mitch Hallahan had a terrific quarter with his impressive ball use and clearances. The Hawks kicked the last goal of the quarter through an intercepted mark by Bailey, who passed to Luke Andrews. Their lead was 20 points going at the final break.
The Zebras needed to start strongly to give themselves any chance of playing next week, however in the first five minutes it was all in the Hawks’ half. The Hawks were winning the clearances and the hit outs and the Zebras could provide no answer. Xavier Ellis marked deep in the Hawks 50 and kicked a goal to extend the margin to 29 points. The Hawks had a healthy lead, however Markworth kicked the next two goals for the Zebras to bring the margin down to 17 points. The home crowd dared to believe but the class of the Hawks was too strong for the Zebras and they ran out 30 point winners.
Luke Andrews was one of the best all day for the Hawks, finishing with 23 disposals, 2 goals and 3 tackles. His ability to win the football enabled the other players to move the ball quickly into their forward line. Bailey’s ability to win the hit outs enabled the Hawks to get the ball first. He finished with 15 disposals and 2 goals and his work rate around the ground set the Hawks up with the victory. Hallahan finished with 21 disposals and 3 tackles and his attack on the football and clearances helped the Hawks get quick access into their forward line.
For the Zebras, Markworth was one of the best for Sandringham all day, finishing with 18 disposals, 5 tackles and 3 goals. He provided some highlights and his ability to use the ball well under pressure was outstanding. Marigliani played another terrific game for the Zebras finishing with 22 disposals and 3 goals. His long kicking and poise under pressure helped the Zebras in the first half.
Box Hill will this Sunday face Geelong at Casey Fields. For Sandringham, their season is over and they will be looking at regrouping with a strong preseason for 2013.
Last Modified on 05/09/2012 23:25