Dragons lose thriller against Eastern Ranges
A fourth quarter comeback from the Eastern Ranges handed them a one-point win over the Sandringham Dragons on Saturday at Trevor Barker Oval.
A goal to Sam Hayes tied the scores with seven minutes left on the clock before the Ranges rushed a behind to hold on for a 8.6 (54) to 7.11 (53) win moving them into the top eight.
Sandringham controlled the play for much of the second half but were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard in what was a low-scoring game.
An inefficient third quarter in front of goal, despite dominating possession, saw the Dragons kick 1.5 (11) and take an 11-point lead into the final break.
The Ranges came out of the blocks firing in the fourth quarter kicking three-goals-to-one to record their fourth win of the season.
Bottom-ager Dawit McNeish was named in the best players after a strong debut game playing through the midfield. In the absence of a number of the Dragons best midfielders, McNeish’s tackling pressure and second-efforts were highly commended by the coaching staff. McNeish gathered 12 disposals, eight tackles, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s.
Geordie Nagle was presented the Fin-Fitness coaches award after his best game of the season at fullback. His strong intercept marking on the last line of defence and 11 rebound 50s drew high-praise and comparisons to Essendon’s Michael Hurley. Nagle gathered 32 disposals, seven marks and five tackles.
Midfielder Quintin Montanaro was back to his best, named the Sportsmart best on ground. Montanaro amassed a game-high 32 disposals to go with his seven tackles, six marks, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s.
The loss was soured by an injury to captain Hayden McLean but he is expected to make a full recovery within the next couple of weeks.
Sandringham will now face the Calder Cannons (2-7) after the Queen’s birthday bye.
|
|
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
|
Sandringham Dragons |
2.3-15 |
5.4-34 |
6.9-45 |
7.11-53 |
|
Eastern Ranges |
3.0-18 |
4.4-28 |
5.4-34 |
8.6-54 |
Sandringham Dragons
Goal Kickers: H. Mclean 2, T. Long, W. Walker, J. Gorman, J. Gibbins, R. Macdermid
Best Players: Q. Montanaro, G. Nagle, H. Mclean, W. Walker, S. Sofronidis, D. McNeish
Eastern Ranges
Goal Kickers: J. Duncan 3, S. Milner, L. Woodward, P. Bruzzese, S. Hayes, J. Stephenson
Best Players: L. Woodward, H. Nolan, S. Hayes, C. Hirst, B. Cardamone, J. Stephenson