SANDRINGHAM has gone down to the Box Hill Hawks by 23 points this afternoon.

Despite the perfect conditions at Trevor Barker Beach oval and a vocal home crowd, the Zebras were unable to topple the Hawks after a promising start.

The home side dominated proceedings in the first quarter, creating several scoring opportunities but only registering 4.5 on the scoreboard.

After a 10-point quarter time lead, the second term was dominated by Box Hill which saw them restrict Sandringham to a solitary behind for the quarter.

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The Hawks didn't let up after half time either, outscoring the home side three goals to two in the third term.

The Zebras continued to fight with a Kenny Ong goal that got a lucky bounce right on the three quarter time siren, keeping them in the game with one quarter to play.

Sandringham fought hard in the last quarter, kicking four goals in the hope of a stunning comeback, but Box Hill matched that with four majors of their own to secure a relatively comfortable victory.

Key defender Tom Lee (17 disposals, 12 marks) stood up again and joined former Saint Clint Jones (45 disposals, 6 tackles) among the best.

Paddy McCartin (14 disposals, 7 marks, 3 goals) also proved his worth, while Nathan Wright took the tagging job on Jed Anderson and ruckman Jason Holmes (10 disposals, 5 tackles) battled manfully against strong opposition.

In his first game back from a long-term hamstring injury, Seb Ross (27 disposals, 7 tackles), appeared strong in the contest, linking up well with his teammates and getting through the game unscathed.  

St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson said although the Hawks outplayed his team, there were a number of positives evident in the 23-point defeat.

"A lot of things didn't go our way today," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

"We got plenty of the ball, which was evident in the first quarter, but our ball use and transitional play let us down at times.

"On a positive note, Tom Lee was really solid down back and Paddy McCartin was terrific as our key forward. His work rate was really pleasing along with his three goals.

"Werribee is a big challenge next week and we like to think playing them at home is an advantage for us.

"We'll work hard this week to correct the things we need to with the view to have a win next week."

St Kilda members can gain free entry to next Saturday’s clash.

SANDRINGHAM 4.5 4.6 7.10 11.12 (78)

BOX HILL HAWKS 3.1 7.11 10.13 14.17 (101)

GOALS: McCartin 3, Ong 3, White 2, Zijai, Minchington, Curren.

BEST: Lee, Jones, McCartin, Ross, Cockie, Wright.

The Zebras went down by 23 points on Sunday. (Photos: Dave Savell)

Posted by St Kilda Football Club on Sunday, 24 May 2015