SANDRINGHAM has defeated a tough Richmond outfit by 45 points at ME Bank Centre, making it consecutive wins heading into the bye.
Ruckman Tom Hickey (17 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 marks) was influential around the ground and Clint Jones (37 disposals, 7 tackles, 1 goal) got the better of Richmond captain Jaryd Cachia.
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Blake Acres (23 disposals, 8 tackles, 3 goals) worked is way back into good form, while Tim Membrey (7 disposals, 4 marks, 3 goals) and midfielder Seb Ross (27 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 marks) were notable St Kilda-listed players among the best.
It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Zebras, who conceded the opening goal and didn't kick their first until Mitch Brown got on the end of a Nathan Wright pass and snapped truly at the 18-minute mark.
A free kick and goal to Blake Acres right before quarter time kept the Zebras within five points at the first break, minus skipper Adam Cockie for the second week running.
A wasteful 1.4 from the Tigers in the second quarter kept Sandringham in the contest, although Paul Hudson’s men looked well below their best with just two first-half majors.
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An animated plea from Hudson to his Zebras ignited a much more competitive second half, beginning with a five-goal third term.
Winning the contested ball became a priority, and once the ball was one, Sandringham began hitting its targets inside 50.
As a result, the deficit was just seven points at the final change.
The Zebras belief continued to grow, carrying their momentum into the final quarter that produced their best football of the season.
Eight goals were kicked by the visitors and their ability to restrict Richmond to just two behinds for the quarter, along with a bold style of football that showed what they are capable of.
St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was pleased with the strong finish but said there's plenty to work on.
"It was terrific to see us run out the game so well," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.
"The poor starts have been a concern previously so it's important we get that right, but the second half showed how good of a football side we can be.
"Clint Jones was outstanding on Jaryd Cachia and Tom Hickey was a really important target around the ground also.
"Darren Minchington (17 disposals, 10 tackles, 1 goal) stepped up after half time, along with Cameron Shenton (22 disposals, 6 marks) who went under the radar a little bit."
Sandringham has the bye next weekend, with their next game at Trevor Barker Beach Oval against Port Melbourne on Sunday, August 9.
RICHMOND 3.3 4.7 8.7 8.9 (57)
SANDRINGHAM 2.4 2.5 7.6 15.12 (102)
GOALS: Dennis-Lane 3, Membrey 3, Acres 3, Jones, Brown, Minchington, Lee, Saunders, White.
BEST: Jones, Dennis-Lane, Acres, Membrey, Minchington, Ross.
