SANDRINGHAM has returned to the winners list on Sunday following a comfortable 65-point  win against the Bendigo Gold at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

Forwards Tom Lee and Spencer White were crucial for the Zebras, booting four and three goals respectively with only inaccuracy preventing the two from finishing with an even bigger total.

With the game played in wet and windy conditions, the dominance of Sandringham’s key position players proved the difference in the end.

Goals to White and Lee to start the game were ominous and sure enough, their performances became the story of the match right from the start, with the Zebras in front for the whole day.

Though Sandringham had the better of general play in the first half, the Zebras were not able to shake the Gold who were fighting for their first win of the season.
Sure enough, Bendigo saw its opportunity midway through the second quarter and clinched the momentum as Sandringham’s defenders struggled to clear the ball outside of the Gold’s forward 50.

Ultimately, the Gold were not able to apply enough scoreboard pressure during this period, squandering many opportunities to further reduce the margin and in the process, let Sandringham off the hook.

As a result, the home team took a 19-point lead into half-time.

With the momentum all with the Gold, Sandringham came out after the main break and immediately stemmed the tide with the likes of Sam Dunell, Lee and Trent Dennis-Lane pivotal in building the advantage to 42 points during the third quarter.

With the result all but secured by the final change, Josh Bruce was moved up forward for the last quarter and provided a good target, kicking a goal himself and assisting in another.

Lee’s hard work for the day was rewarded late as he slotted home his third and fourth goals to cap off a resounding win for the Zebras.

In disappointing news on an otherwise positive day, Arryn Siposs left the field in the final quarter with his arm in a sling.

Sandringham will take on Port Melbourne next Saturday July 5 at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, beginning at 1:10pm. This game will be broadcast on ABC1 from 1pm for Victorian viewers.

Sandringham   5.4  7.8  11.16  15.19  109
Bendigo Gold   2.3  4.8    5.10     5.14     44

Goal Kickers: Lee 4, Dennis-Lane 3, White 3, Bruce, Schneider, Ray, Weickhardt, Cook
Best Players: Lee, White, Roberton, Schneider, Ray, Dennis-Lane, Hickey