SANDRINGHAM has fought out a brave draw with 2013 VFL premiers Box Hill, with Terry Milera the match-saver in the dying seconds.

In a high-paced round two encounter, the Zebras kicked inaccurately all afternoon but looked to be in pole position at quarter time, leading the Hawks by 41 points.

In a complete reversal, Box Hill dominated the second quarter kicking seven goals with a strong breeze.

When Sandringham replied with 3.9 in the third term, Development Coach Paul Hudson thought the Zebras may have “done their dash.”
“I thought we were done to be honest,” Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

“We were kicking to the scoring end wasted a number of good opportunities. But to the boys’ credit, we stuck at it and to grind out a draw was actually a very good effort considering the wind and the quality of the opponent.”

Ben Stratton, Brian Lake and Ryan Schoenmakers were just three of the experienced Hawthorn players to take the field for Box Hill, while former Liston medallist Ben Ross was held to just 12 disposals by Maverick Weller.

A number of St-Kilda listed players excelled, with Tom Lee and Seb Ross booting three goals each, while Jack Billings collected 29 classy disposals on the wing.  

“Quite a few boys are putting their hands up for selection,” Hudson said. “Although we would have liked to win given the position we were in, to take two points away isn’t the worst result against last years’ premiers.”
Adam Schneider returned from injury and spent most of the game in the midfield, finishing with 24 disposals, while Sam Dunell continued his good form, taking 10 marks as a high half forward.

Sandringham-listed player Adam Cockie was instrumental throughout the contest, as was Saints rookie Cameron Shenton who booted two goals from half-back and provided considerable offensive run.

As is often the case with draws, both teams will rue missed opportunities at various stages – with Sandringham especially guilty of this – but given the frantic pace the game was played at, a draw was probably a fair result.

Sandringham travels to Eureka Stadium next Saturday to take on North Ballarat.

Sandringham:           14.20 (104)
Box Hill:                   15.14 (104)

Best:
Ross, Cockie, Simpkin, Milera, Weller, Lee, Billings

Goals:
Ross 3, Lee 3, Shenton 2, Milera 2, Murdoch, Dennis-Lane, Siposs, Schneider