News

After quelling Frankston's final quarter tilt, Sandy steadied to record a 24-point win in front of a good crowd at Frankston.

Bolstered by a bunch of Melbourne-listed players, the Zebras had a bit too much polish for the never-say-die Dolphins.   It was Sandringham's fifth straight win.

Frankston coach Brett Lovett said the Dolphins were lively but lacked a knockout punch.

``We're certainly not into good efforts any more down here,'' he said.   ``I thought we had our opportunities throughout the day but just failed to hurt them when we were going forward, particularly in the second quarter when I felt we had control of the play and we weren't able to hit targets across half forward or finish off with goals.''

Apart from the opening quarter when Frankston got off to a flier when Aaron Murray booted three goals in the opening 10 minutes, none of the Dolphins' ``bigs'' fired.

 Instead, if was left to livewires Justin Berry and Ricky Morris to kick a winning score. They were gallant, but they needed support. 

Sandringham tightened up and by half-time had opened up a 16-point lead.   The Zebras went 27-point ahead early in the third quarter, and Frankston's backline was under fire but showing courage.  

Former Dolphin Nick Sautner kicked two goals in four minutes late in the third quarter, and celebrated each one with relish, as Sandy went into the final change 26-points ahead.

Frankston made a dash in the final quarter, Ricky Morris kicking an early goal to narrow the gap to 21 points.

But Sandringham iced the game with five minutes to go when Ryan Ferguson, against his former club, kicked a goal.

Frankston's best player was Morris, who booted 4.2 and was always dangerous up forward. Toby Conroy was the Dolphins' top possession gatherer with 31, ahead of Ash Roberts (30) and Neil Winterton (28).

Frankston travels to Williamstown on Sunday.