A STRONG start and finish were crucial factors in Sandringham’s big win against the Bendigo Bank Pioneers in Saturday’s TAC Cup match at Box Hill City Oval.
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The Sandringham Dragons scored three unanswered goals in the opening 10 minutes and a flurry late in the match on their way to a 90-40 victory.
Pioneers’ coach David Newett said the team was “extremely competitive” for a lot of the match.
“The second quarter was one of our best of the season. Sandringham got the jump us on early, but we worked really hard to be within 10 points by half-time.”
Although the Pioneers set up chances in the third they added just one goal as the Dragons added four.
“Other than the opening 10 minutes of the game and the last 10 minutes we were right in the game,” Newett said.
“In the first quarter, Sandringham had a lot of uncontested marks.
“Our pressure on the ball-carrier and at contests really lifted in the second and third quarters.
“We just didn’t capitalise on opportunities,” he said of facing a 31-point defiicit at a quarter to go.
A fired-up Sandringham added 4.2 to 2.1 in the last to win the 13th round match, 14.6 (90) to 6.4 (40).
Best player for the Pioneers was Kyneton’s Dan Davie.
“His versatility is a huge plus for us,” Newett said.
“Dan kicked two goals and played a mix of forward, wing, and down back.
“He has a lot of attributes and is a great competitor in every match.”
Cam Barrett played a great game in defence, as did key defender Josh Ryan.
The consistent Matt Pickering and Liam Barrett were among Bendigo’s best.
The Chisari brothers from Mildura, Jacob and Matthew both kicked goals.
Jacob set up Matthew’s goal in this match.