By LIAM TWOMEY
LADDER positions meant nothing on Saturday as top four side Williamstown was handed a 15-point defeat by bottom four side Sandringham.
Despite being forced to play in tough conditions, the skills in front of goal were impressive early as the accurate Zebras took a two-point lead into quarter time.
From there Sandringham maintained the momentum throughout the second quarter and began to take the upper hand in the match.
The Zebras added another four goals to their total as the margin grew to 11 points at the long break.
Even though they were enjoying control of the play for long periods throughout the third and final terms, the Seagulls were unable to reel in the margin as Sandringham fought desperately to secure the four points.
The 14.11 (95) to 12.8 (80) loss is Williamstown’s fourth for the year.
On what was a tough day at the office, Mark Austin worked hard for the Seagulls around the ground to be named his side’s best player.
He was well supported by Cameron Lockwood and Daniel Cross while captain Ben Jolley also fought hard.
Up forward Patrick Veszpremi kicked three goals while Thomas Campbell kicked two.
For Sandringham, Tom Simpkin pushed his case for a recall into the St Kilda senior side with a solid game while Sebastian Ross was also good.
Saturday’s result sees Williamstown remain in fourth place on the VFL ladder with an 8-4 win/loss record for the season.
The Seagulls are part of a logjam of five teams separated by just two points from third to seventh.
When round 14 gets underway this weekend, Williamstown will take on fellow top four contender Port Melbourne.
The news wasn’t all bad for the Seagulls on Saturday with the club’s development side enjoying a 102-point win over the Zebras.
