2011 VFL Seniors
Sandringham 1.6 6.14 8.16 15.23 (113)
Collingwood 3.3 6.4 11.9 12.10 (82)
GOALS:
Sandringham: Lourey 3 Johnson 3 Marigliani 3 Ledger McQualter Polo Geary Jetta Irving
Collingwood: Eddy 3 Fasolo 2 Johnson 2 Reilly Keeffe Young Sundberg Jolly
BEST:
Sandringham: McQualter Simpkin Clarke Magner Ledger Marigliani
Collingwood: Jolly Johnson Sundberg Rounds Young Keeffe
Match Report - By Serge D'Angelo
We got more than the 4 points in fact we managed to kick 23 of them, which left the game in doubt for much of the day as we allowed the more accurate Magpies to lead late into the game and place ourselves under needless pressure with our errant ball use. The welcome return of Marcus Marligiani whose ability to kick 2 vital goals late in the game went along way to ensuring the victory. His presence on the field is a real positive for our side as his experience and leadership will add to our much to our playing list.
For much of the game it was too many missed targets , too many handballs , and far too many behinds punctuated by some terrific acts of courage and desperation to force the ball into goal scoring situations. The victory was much need as we had not been able to win our last 2 encounters at home. Regardless of the frustration of inaccurate kicking and wasted chances The Zebras did not stop charging at the ball, nor do did they stop working towards the victory.
This asset comes in abundance as the likes of our captain David Gallagher (in his return from serious eye injury) who simply led by example throwing himself into the multitude of packs that the windy conditions at Trevor Barker Beach Oval tends to create for much of the day.
Others who delighted in the ever present heavy traffic were James Magner, Tom Ledger, Andrew McQualter and Dean Polo who were able continually clear the ball away from the stoppages only to find the lesser score being added time and time again.
The scoreboard pressure was not what we had hoped for with 1.6 at ¼ time, and sadly half way through the 2nd quarter with the gale 2.10 ending up at half time 6.14 while Collingwood seemed to find the scoring of goals much easier. However we were in front after kicking 5.8 to 3.3.
Knowing that the next hour was going to have an enormous impact on our season the players showed great persistence as the Magpies placed our defence under pressure as they had the ever increasing gale in the 3rd term. The result was a 5.5 goal to 2 .4 in favour of the black and white and although there was no panic amongst the Zebras it was no doubt a concern that we now had only 30 mins to salvage the win. The loss of Blake to a knee injury early made things even more difficult as the height of their forwards was a concern. However Tom Simpkin, Tom Walsh, Raph Clarke, Rob Eddy and Tom Lynch did a great job. Clarke and Simpkin played very well all day.
The opposition had premiership ruckman Darren Jolley controlling the ball ups and it was to our boys great credit in Archer and Walsh who never stopped competing and at times made life very difficult for the Big Man. That experience will be a valuable learning tool for the young Saints.
The final term was our best as we produced the type of football that gave us a chance of kicking goals through better ball use than in the previous 3 terms. We placed 7 majors on the board and ended the game with a 31 point win. With Michael Lourey and Will Johnson each kicking 3 goals by games end.
We play North Ballarat this week and this will be a challenge that we are looking forward.
2011 VFL Reserves
Sandringham 4.2 8.5 11.6 14.13 (97)
Williamstown 2.2 3.4 6.6 8.6 (54)
GOALS:
Sandringham: Cahill 5 Curren 3 Michaliades 3 Boland 2 Meehan
Williamstown: Purton-Smith 2 JOHANNISEN Witkowski McHarg Lawson Panos Prato
BEST:
Sandringham: Curren ANDREOLI Cathcart Cahill Smith-Cameron Heyne
Williamstown: Stretton Cravino McHarg Smith Witkowski Wilson
Match Report - By Mick Ablett
Well after being beaten by Williamstown to the tune of 120 points only 5 weeks ago, the challenge was there to turn the tables on them back on our home deck, and turn the tables we did with an impressive 43 point victory.
Prior to the game the feeling was good and the boys were ready to get into it after having the past 2 weekends off with consecutive byes. However there was no rust or cobwebs to blow out as we jumped out of the blocks kicking into a strong wind to lead at quarter time, from there we didn’t look back. Through some very accurate goal kicking and quality ball use, we were able to maximize our opportunities and eventually pull away in the last quarter posting a score that reflected our dominance of the game.
Tom Curren again put an extremely impressive performance in and has thrown himself into senior contention with a 27 disposal game showing his poise and ball winning ability as well as kicking 3 goals on his way to a best on ground display. Warrick Andreoli was also impressive after returning from a string of senior games finding the footy 25 times through the Wing and Half Back area of the ground, his continued ability to be able to beat opponents of all shapes and sizes is fantastic to watch. His ball reading ability and control around the backline when Williamstown had the wind was second to none. Robbie Cathcart again amassed 27 disposals and continues to outclass his opponents in the contested footy stakes whilst developing in a new role as a Wingman/Half Forward. Paul Cahill in his second game back from a long lay off with injury put through 5 majors in a classy display up forward and his St Kilda team mate Nick Heyne showed signs of his early season form gathering 21 disposals. Kiefer Smith-Cameron once again showed plenty of control down back cutting off numerous opposition threats and leading from the front with his courage and continued ability to put his body on the line when it’s his turn. 22 possessions and a team high 8 tackles, was a game sure to have caught the eye of the senior coaching staff. There were many other fine contributors in what was a great example of team football.
Next week we make the long winters trip to North Ballarat, which shapes as a fantastic opportunity to gain further momentum and continue to improve our standing in the second half of the season. However they certainly took it up to us earlier in the season at home and we will not be taking them lightly. Go Zebs!!
Last Modified on 27/06/2011 11:36