Sandringham continues to search for its maiden win of the 2021 VFL Season, with the Pental Blue Ribbon Cup going the way of Box Hill on Sunday afternoon.

The Zebras were firing on all cylinders early in the piece at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, piecing together an unanswered nine-goal second term – five of which came from Luke Dunstan and Jack Lonie – to pivot towards a 37-point lead at the main break.

But the Hawks got the better of their opposition in the second half, blazing away 12-goals-to-two to consolidate the 15.8 (98) to 19.14 (128) result.

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Five goals to Box Hill without reply in the third term brought the margin back to four points, and from there, everything pointed towards a Hawks’ win.

Despite the loss, multiple performances stood out in the high-scoring affair.

Luke Dunstan (35 disposals, three goals) and Jack Lonie (22 disposals, three goals) were both impressive for Sandringham, adding a spark of excitement around the contest and stoppages.  

The pair piled on their six combined majors during the Zebras’ opening half blitz, with their ball movement – Dunstan’s at times coming out of defence – standing tall.

Dunstan collected 23 of his 35 disposals in the first half. Photo: AFL Photos.

James Frawley (12 disposals, four marks) had a successful hit-out since recovering from a hamstring injury, while Tom Highmore was Sandringham's best on ground, soaring with a game-high 14 marks (nine in the first half) and 30 disposals.

Leo Connolly (30 disposals, nine marks) and Ben Long (25 disposals at 96 percent efficiency) were just as proficient down back, providing grit and determination around the ball.

AFL-listed players Mason Wood, Sam Alabakis, Oscar Clavarino and Shaun McKernan each bagged one goal apiece, while Zebras Jack McHale and Cody Henness finished with multiple majors.

Vice-captain Goy Lok was again impressive with 20 disposals and a goal. 

Tom Highmore collected a game-high fourteen marks. Photo: AFL Photos.

Unfortunately, Dean Kent was ruled out of the contest after suffering a head knock in the opening stages of the game.

Fergus Greene was most impressive for Box Hill, kicking five straight majors alongside Vincent Adduci (four).  

Sandringham will head into a bye this weekend, before continuing its search for a first-up win against Williamstown in Round 5.

SANDRINGHAM  4.2  13.6  14.7  15.8 (98)
BOX HILL  7.3  7.5  13.10  19.14 (128)

GOALS
Sandringham: Dunstan 3, Lonie 3, Henness 2, McHale 2, Alabakis, Clavarino, Lok, McKernan, Wood
Box Hill: Greene 5, Adduci 4, Brockman 2, Blanck, Hartley, Howe, Kilpatrick, Morris, Mynott, Newcombe, Walker

BEST
Sandringham: Dunstan, Lonie, Connolly, Highmore, Long
Box Hill: Howe, DeLuca, Greene, Adduci

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