The 13th of May saw the Sandy-Rovers boys back upon our home turf at the Boss for the second week running. With the ladder wiped clean, our Round 5 opponents were the newly relegated South Melbourne Districts, who had been struggling with Division 1 football and had now been re-graded. However, to be originally graded in Division 1, their experience in past weeks meant that the game would be quite captivating and most likely a close encounter.
The Sandy-Rovers were a little slow out of blocks as South Melbourne looked to have the upper hand for the first minutes, snagging the first 2 goals. Disappointed with the slow start, some grit and tenacity at the football saw the pressure slowly build from the Sandy-Rovers boys as they pulled the margin back to a solitary point going into the first break.
The second term was a testament to the Sandy-Rovers players, showing clearly what can happen when hard work and determination are applied. Our lads built a handy 26 point lead by the main break and also kept solid pressure on South Melbourne to keep them scoreless for the entire quarter.
The Third Quarter in recent weeks hadn’t been the strongest term for our lads, as lapses in concentration and a distinct lack of commitment at the ball had befallen us. However, this was not to be the case this round as the Sandy-Rovers went goal for goal with the visitors. Scoring for the term being very close with 3.2 to 3.3 South Melbourne’s way. Whilst a more even contest this quarter, we still held a steady 25 point lead into the last break.
The final term was another close affair, with tackling pressure around the stoppages and at marking contests being the prominent factor. This intensity ultimately led to the Sandy-Rovers taking the game at the final siren by 34 points. A hard-earned victory with a very promising 4 quarter effort.
Notable efforts came from Max Hewitt who booted 4 goals, leading out from the forward line. Matt Spaziani who battled in and under all day and racked up countless contested disposals. Lachie Fraser who starred once again in the midfield, and last but not least our captain Marcus White whose game off the Half Back line was flawless. Whilst there were some standout performances, it was even more pleasing to see a consistent effort from the entire side and hopefully this will continue through the season ahead.
All the mums were happy to have everyone go home in on piece for Mother’s Day after all the injuries from last week. Hopefully Beau, Matt & Tom will be back on the field soon.
With an opening win in the season proper under our belts, we set off to Oakleigh next week where we will look to build on the great performance shown on Sunday Afternoon.
