BENDIGO BOMBERS v. SANDRINGHAM

BENDIGO:

SANDRINGHAM:

BENDIGO:

SANDRINGHAM:

In perfect conditions, the first quarter started off fiery, as the Bombers went hard at the football, much to the Zebras surprise. Jason Laycock started off in the ruck, as fellow center-men Gary Moorcroft, Brett Stanton and captain Nick Carter were also in the centre. Dominating centre clearances and possession early, the Bombers kicked the opening goal through tall draftee, Kepler Bradley. Andrew Lovett quickly replied and another goal to the Bombers put them three goals up early on, much to the surprise of the large Zebra crowd. Soon after two of Sandingham’s taller options in Mark Jamar and Ben Holland started to out-mark the Bomber back line and with the help of silky smooth youngster Colin Sylvia pegged back the defecate. Another goal to the Zebra’s and they had kicked the last four goals turning around a shaky beginning to the match. Number three draft pick for Melbourne, Colin Sylvia was moved into the centre for the Zebra’s and caused a lot of concern as the Zebra’s kicked another two goals to be up at quarter time, by 16 points.

Words of advice from Coach Peter Banfield seemed to have had affect, as the Bombers came out and dominated the second term. The bombers won most centre clearances, as Ben Haynes and Andrew Lovett were unstoppable in delivering the ball into the Bomber forward line. Goals to Moorcroft, Cupido, Stanton and Bradley set the bombers on there way to an early four goal to nothing start. Patches of un-selfish football was the key as the Bombers gelled as a team and continued to prevent Sandringham from posing a threat in their forward 50m. Leading VFL goal kicker Nick Saunter was dragged from the ground as opponent Sam Hunt kept him to one goal in the first half, as a goal to Ben Holland soon followed. Vice-Captain Jordan Doering ran off the back-line very well and provided much of the delivery to the midfielders, which was reflected on the scoreboard. After a goal to Luke Hawkins late on in the second term, the Bombers had gone into half time four points up and full of confidence.

In somewhat of a shock to the Bendigo supporters, the Bombers came out and played a very disappointing third quarter of football. Coming off a confidence building second term they were unable to win the ball in the center and struggled to get the ball out of their defensive 50m. Zebra ruckman Mark Jamar won the hit outs and along with fellow zebras Colin Sylvia and David Gallagher helped deliver the ball into the Zebra forward-line as Jamar, Mills and Johnson kicked the first three goals for Sandringham. In efforts of desperation the Bombers resorted to bombing the ball out of defense hoping to stop Sandringham from entering their forward-line again, without success. Sam Hunt continued to keep Nick Saunter to one goal as the star full-forward was dragged from the ground once again. Adrian Wilson slotted through the Bombers first goal for the quarter as Darren Walsh put there second through soon after. Just as things were looking good for the Bombers, the Zebras replied through some poor skill errors made by Bendigo to kick eight points and one goal and end up 20 points up at three quarter time.

The fourth term started off just the same as the third term had ended, with Sandringham kicking an opening goal to David Gallagher. Bomber Ben Haynes continued to win, but lost support from teammates. In a last minute effort coach Banfield placed Vice-Captain Jordan Doering into the center, which resulted in the Bombers winning back possession, as Cupido slotted through a much needed goal. Doering continued with Haynes to win back the centre as the Bombers came back with two quick goals, one to Cupido and another to Moorcroft bringing back the margin to within two goals. Captain Nick Carter in confusion ran the wrong way and delivered the ball into the wrong forward 50m, but luckily resulted in only a behind. Both sides then went goal for goal and a few minutes after a physical altercation between a number of Bomber and Zebra players, the siren went and Sandringham had came out victors, leaving the Bendigo Bombers pondering what could have been.

Next week the Bombers tackle Williamstown at the QEO in Bendigo on Sunday afternoon, in what will be a must win game for the Bendigo Bombers, if finals are on the agenda. Williamstown along with the Bombers are fighting to hold on to positions in the top eight, and will be well worth the watch.