Sandringham has gone down to a strong Williamstown outfit by 22-points at Burbank oval on Saturday afternoon.

In their last hit out before round one, the Zebras were slow to start and trailed the reigning premiers all afternoon.

The Seagulls kicked the first two goals of the match, before Tim Membrey finally got the Zebras on the board for their first major at the 15-minute mark of the first term.

The home side maintained their strength and composure in the contest, winning the second quarter four goals to one to open a 32-point lead at the main break.

The Zebras got going after half-time, outscoring Andy Collins’ men five goals to two in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to an even two goals at the last change.

It was goal for goal to begin the final term, before the Seagulls strung together three goals in a row to open a 35-point lead at the 20-minute mark.

The visitors rallied in the final seven minutes with goals to Tom Curren (26 disposals, 2 goals) and key forward Tim Membrey (20 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals) after a strong contested mark inside 50.

Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was pleased with his side’s final tune up ahead of the home and away season, particularly the improvement after half-time.

“We were slow out of the blocks against very strong opposition and it took us a while to get going, but I was really pleased how we were able to take the game on in the second half,” Hudson told saints.com.au.

“Tim Membrey was our best forward and we’re really pleased with the consistency in his game, along with Darren Minchington (18 disposals, 5 goals) and Blake Acres (27 disposals, 1 goal).

“Box Hill is going to be a big test first up away from the home but we’ll prepare the best we can and looking for a round one win.”

SCOREBOARD

WILLIAMSTOWN 4.2 8.4 10.6 14.11 (95)
SANDRINGHAM 2.0 3.2 8.6 11.7 (73)

GOALS: Minchington 5, Membrey 2, Curren 2, Acres, Wright.

BEST: Minchington, Membrey, Curren, Acres, Burbury, Noone.