The Williamstown Seagulls were defeated by 56 points by reigning premiers, Sandringham Zebras, at Burbank Oval on Sunday.

Williamstown made 3 changes to the side that lost to North Ballarat last weekend with Ben Davies, Danny Nicholls and Shannon Cox coming into the side, with Sam Iles and Paul Licuria promoted to the Collingwood senior side and Patrick Rose dropped to the Reserves.

Sandringham won the toss and kicked to the scoreboard end assisted with a slight breeze. Sandy bounced out of the blocks and kicked 5 goals straight in the opening 10 minutes of the game through Lyden Dunn (3), Nick Sautner and Phillip Read.

Willy was caught on the back foot as Sandy’s aggression and still was spot on. Cameron Cloke was providing a target up forward and kicked Willy’s first goal and then Sean Rusling followed up. Sandy added 3 more goals to establish a commanding lead.

Quarter Time: Williamstown 2.1 (13) Sandringham 8.3 (51)

Willy had the wind in the second quarter but continued to have problems penetrating the Zebras defence. Alan Toovey, John Anthony and Harry O’Brien battled valiantly in defence but Sandy continued to kick goals whilst Willy wasted opportunities up forward by only adding 3.3 to Sandy 4 goals straight.

Half Time: Williamstown 5.4 (34) Sandringham 12.3 (75)

With the wind strengthening in the third quarter favouring Sandy Willy had their best quarter in the third. Ben Davies was the beneficiary of Guy Richards getting his hand on the ball at stoppages and Liam Picken and Danny Nicholls continued to shine. Goals to Cloke, Cook and Iacobucci resulted in Willy matching Sandy. .

Three Quarter Time: Williamstown 8.6 (54) Sandringham 15.6 (96)

Coming home with a strengthening wind, it was disappointing that Willy was unable to score a goal in the final quarter, but instead could only kick 4 behinds to Sandy 3 goals straight. Sandy went up another gear and did not allow Willy any free possession as the game became a slog in the final quarter.

Full Time: Williamstown 8.10 (58) Sandringham 18.6 (114)

Goalkickers: Rusling 2, C.Cloke 2, Johnson 1, Davies 1, Cook 1, Iacobucci 1

Best Players: Toovey Davies Nicholls C.Cloke Anthony Rowe


Reserves Wrap

Williamstown received a scare when the lead changed twice in the final quarter before kicking 3 consecutive goals to win by two goals.

Williamstown 18.12 (120) Sandringham 16.12 (108)

Goalkickers: Rose 3, Stanley 2, Theodore 2, Hall 2, Pearce 2, Langlands 2, Stretton 1, A.Cook 1, T.Cook 1, Cravino 1, Walker 1

Best Players: Meyer Langlands Stanley Stretton Brewer McKenzie


CLUB NEWS
This Saturday 12th August Williamstown plays away at rival Port Melbourne.

On Saturday August 19th Williamstown play their final home game for the season against Tasmania at Burbank Oval (Morris Street, Williamstown). The Presidents Luncheon on the day will feature leading Criminal Lawyers Lex Lasry QC and Brian Bourke as Guest Speakers. Tickets cost $35 for a two course meal and complimentary drinks throughout the Luncheon. The Luncheon is open to everyone and booking is essential please ring the club on 9390 0611 to reserve your seat.

*photos courtesy of John Anthony. To view full Williamstown gallery visit John Anthony Gallery online.

For more information on Williamstown, tables and results, visit the Official Williamstown Seagulls website at
www.williamstown.footballvictoria.com.au