SANDRINGHAM went down by 56 points to Williamstown on Sunday at Burbank Oval.

In a match where the Seagulls led at every change, the Zebras were unable to capitalise when the game was in the balance.

It was a slow start for the visitors, who didn't register their first major until the 17-minute mark of the opening quarter.

A five-goal to one start highlighted the winning edge of the home side, until the Zebras won the second term three goals to two.

The second quarter resurgence was led by Clint Jones (31 disposals, 8 tackles), extracting the ball from the centre to the likes of Eli Templeton (20 disposals, 1 goal), Josh Saunders (23 disposals, 7 tackles) and Jimmy Webster (23 disposals, 7 tackles).

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The St Kilda trio showed the dare and gut running ability to give their forwards the best opportunity to score.

Tom Hickey (11 disposals, 4 marks) was the best of the three ruckmen playing primarily as a forward, but Jason Holmes did impress with his regular follow up work in the centre.

At the major break the margin was only 17 points in favour of Williamstown, giving the Zebras a chance to continue the charge in the second half.

Key defenders Tom Lee and Hugh Goddard kept their opponents in check, while the run and dare to create from Daniel McKenzie off half-back was pivotal.

Lee is proving himself to be a reliable key defender with a solid fist in the contest and a strong contested mark, again evident against the Williamstown key forwards.

Goddard continues to take strong marks in key moments and run the football forward, highlighted by today’s seven marks in tough conditions. 

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But unfortunately for Paul Hudson and his men, the Seagulls matched their efforts and lifted another gear.

St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson described the loss as an off day with plenty to improve on.

"It was a bad day," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

"We didn't work together as a team and too much was left to too few against a very good side, who play very well at home.

"On a positive note Tom Lee and Hugh Goddard were solid in defence. Dan McKenzie accumulated a lot of the ball to try to make things happen and Blake Acres did a really good job on [Williamstown’s] Sam Dunell.

"We'll just hit training hard this week and hopefully that results in a win against the Northern Blues."

Sandringham returns to Trevor Barker Beach Oval next Sunday to take on the Northern Blues. St Kilda members will gain free entry.

WILLIAMSTOWN 5.4 7.6 14.12 17.12 (114)

SANDRINGHAM 1.4 4.7 5.9 7.14 (56)

GOALS: Cook, Zijai, Brown, Ong, Templeton, Hooy, McKenzie

BEST: McKenzie, Acres, Goddard, Lee, Jones