SANDRINGHAM went down by six points to the Northern Blues on Sunday afternoon.

In sunny conditions at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, both sides battled out in a tough contest where accuracy on the scoreboard proved pivotal.

The Zebras welcomed back skipper Adam Cockie (18 disposals, 7 tackles) and along with Clinton Jones (27 disposals, 6 tackles), they provided leadership through the midfield.

St Kilda defenders Tom Lee and Hugh Goddard continue to work well in the back half, restricting the Blues' key forwards from hitting the scoreboard.

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Levi Casboult and Matthew Watson were held goalless due to the defensive pair's efforts.

The opening term saw eight goals kicked between the two teams, the Blues holding a one point lead at quarter time.

A much tighter second term followed with both sides kicking two majors each.

On the half time siren, the Blues marginally held a three-point advantage.

The Blues continued their momentum after the main break, extending their lead to 15 points at three quarter time.

A 3.11 last quarter ultimately cost the Zebras' victory, after registering 24 to 8 inside 50s in the final quarter.

St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson spoke of the impressive solo ruck performance of Jason Holmes, but was disappointed with the inconsistency over four quarters.

"Our inconsistency really cost us today," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

"We created opportunities but unable to execute when we needed to, and the scoreboard speaks for itself.

"Injuries to Dylan Weickhardt and Trent Dennis-Lane affected our rotations but we simply need to execute better.

Jason Holmes (8 disposals, 1 goal) was terrific as our number one ruckman. He's developing well and today was his best all-round performance."

Other Saints' to impress included Tom Curren (26 disposals), Josh Saunders (24 disposals, 1 goal) and key forward Spencer White (3 goals).

Sandringham is at Casey Fields  next Saturday for its round four clash with Casey Scorpions. The game will be broadcast on channel seven.

SANDRINGHAM 4.1 6.3 9.7 12.18 (90)

NORTHERN BLUES 4.2 6.6 11.10 14.12 (96)

GOALS: White 3, Brown 2, Zijai, Dennis-Lane, Cook, Saad, Minchington, Saunders, Holmes

BEST: Holmes, Lee, Goddard, Saunders, Curren, Jones, Cockie