A LATE flurry of attacking football by Sandringham on Saturday was not enough for the Zebras as they succumbed to the Northern Blues by 12 points at Visy Park.

After a tight first half, the Zebras struggled to create opportunities up forward until the final 15 minutes of the game, with Sandringham regularly breaking down when entering its forward 50.

Daniel Markworth, David Armitage, James Gwilt and Darren Minchington were amongst the busiest for the Zebras, collecting 19, 19, 18 and 17 disposals each respectively, while Zebras-listed player Yillber Zijai was Sandringham’s sole multiple goal-kicker with two.

Sandringham coach Simon McPhee was pleased with his team’s effort, despite the loss.

“We were chasing all day, we worked out our way back into it,” McPhee said.

“I thought we really fought it out but we just couldn’t get that extra one (goal) to put the pressure on.

“Certainly the effort was good from the players, we’ve still got some developing to do, but the players are improving and hopefully they’ll start to see the results of their hard work soon.”

The Northern Blues, who had the answers all day, controlled much of the first quarter, though failed to reflect their dominance on the scoreboard – keeping the Zebras in the match.

Returning Carlton star Chris Judd was well held all day, right from the first bounce, and failed to have a major impact.
The second quarter was similar, with Sandringham peppering the goals, only to kick two from their six shots on goal, resulting in a five-point margin at the main break.

The third quarter was when the Northern Blues made their move, dominating the contested ball through the midfield, which translated into plenty of opportunities for the Blues’ forwards to capitalise on.

Despite the Blues having the run of play, the Zebras managed to fight their way back into the contest, but to no avail.

Sandringham will next play Collingwood on Saturday 14 June at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, with the bounce of the ball at 2pm.

Northern Blues    3.3    5.5   9.7  11.7       73
Sandringham        3.2   4.6    6.7    9.7       61

Goals: Y. Zijai 2, J. Webster , D. Graham , K. Ong , R. Stanley , D. Armitage , J. Gwilt , D. Minchington
Best: J. Webster, J. Gwilt, J. Holmes, D.Armitage, D. Weickhardt, D. Roberton, K. Ong