SANDRINGHAM withstood a rampant North Ballarat outfit on Sunday to win its second consecutive game.

Darren Minchington (18 disposals) was influential across half-forward and through the midfield, while Nathan Wright (20 disposals) provided terrific rebound from defence and shut down the dangerous Lachlan George in the process.

Ahmed Saad and Tim Membrey both kicked two goals in the 27-point victory that lifted Sandringham to equal fourth on the ladder, while Tom Lee had the better of dangerous North Melbourne forward Aaron Black. 

The Zebras led by as much as 39 points early in the third term, only to see their lead reduced to just nine points midway through the final quarter at Eureka Stadium.

It was Minchington who steadied the ship, before Elliot Le Grice put the result beyond doubt with his first major for the afternoon

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Blue skies were forecast in country Victoria on Saturday, however a brief shower as Paul Hudson’s men were warming up added dew to the surface and made life difficult for marking players on both teams.

Sandringham booted four goals from 11 scoring shots in the first quarter, with a strong breeze blowing across the ground.

In reply, the Roosters managed just one goal from two scoring shots and struggled to move the ball out of their defensive half.

The Zebras water-tight structures, combined with their tenacious attack on the footy, shell-shocked Gerald Fitzgerald’s men in front of their home crowd in the early passages.

The second term was more of an arm wrestle, with Sandringham holding a 20-point advantage at the main break.

At half-time, Hudson urged his players to keep their foot on the pedal. They extended the lead to 39 points, but North Ballarat surged early in the last and had all the momentum.

But Sandringham repelled again and ran away for its fifth win for the season.

St Kilda development coach and Sandringham senor coach Paul Hudson was satisfied with the four points, but said a more consistent performance is required this Saturday against Port Melbourne.

“It’s never easy to travel to North Ballarat and win,” Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

“We had a real crack early and did well to hold them off late. It was enough to get the win this week but Port Melbourne will be a stern test so it’s important we prepare ourselves to play four good quarters of footy.

“We are in a good position at the moment but need to continue the momentum.”

Sandringham: 4.7 7.10 8.12 11.15 (81)

North Ballarat: 1.1 3.2 5.5 8.6 (54)

Goal kickers: Membrey 2, Saad 2, Jones, Murdoch, Minchington, Le Grice, Neiwand, Pierce, Templeton

Best players: Minchington, Brown, Wright, Jones, Gilbert