Sandringham records the first goalless scoreline in the VFA/VFL in nearly a century

SANDRINGHAM has recorded its lowest score in club history and the first goalless scoreline in the VFA/VFL in nearly a century in torrential conditions against Williamstown.

Sandringham and Williamstown played in torrential conditions. Picture: Dave Savell Photography

IT was a scoreline so sorry it will make an apologetic appearance in football’s record books.

And although records are there to be broken, it will likely stand for a long time, as a reminder of the day Sandringham encountered the most difficult conditions imaginable for football.

Torrential rain left water pooled on the ground and with heavy winds made for a wet and wild day at Williamstown’s Point Gellibrand.

And the Zebras failed to kick a goal in the Round 11 clash last Sunday.

A remarkable goal from Willie Wheeler!

This should never have gone in but such are the conditions! #PJVFL #7VFL pic.twitter.com/p2w4DjJrg8

— 7VFL (@7VFL) June 17, 2018

WINTER IS HERE ❄️🌧

Here's what the first quarter between @sandyzebs and @williamstownfc looked like.#7VFL #PJVFL pic.twitter.com/M7GETw7OiB

— 7VFL (@7VFL) June 17, 2018

Their tally of 0.9 (9) was the lowest score in their history, shading the 1.4 (10) against Preston in 1954, and the first time Sandy had failed to kick a goal in a match.

And it was the first time a VFA/VFL team had been goalless since Northcote managed just four behinds against North Melbourne at Arden St in Round 15, 1919.

Going into the wind in the final term Sandringham had a couple of chances to belatedly open its account but both kicks were badly miscued.

Willy coach Andy Collins, a former Sandringham premiership player and coach, described the conditions as “horrendous’’ and a combination of “8/10 rain and a 8/10’’ wind.

“We’ve had windier days and we’ve had wetter days but they came together — the rain, the water and the wind — and I’ve never seen it that bad for the players,’’ he said.

A Sandringham player makes a desperate attempt to rush the ball through. Picture: Dave Savell Photography

He admitted that in the last few minutes of the match the Seagulls set themselves to keep Sandy goalless.

“We didn’t speak about it until probably the last three or four minutes,’’ Collins said.

“My assistant coach Peter Banfield said stats were coming up about the Northcote game and then we drew some attention to it.

“If you get a chance to be part of a record, you try to take it. Every footballer who played in that game for Williamstown will remember it forever, on two fronts — the conditions and keeping the opposition to its lowest-ever score. How many teams have been able to keep another team goalless at this level of footy?’’

Sandy coach Aaron Hamill was aware the club had never before gone without a goal.

“It was tough conditions for both sides. One handled it, one didn’t,’’ he said.

“They (Willy) were more desperate, a lot more hungrier, more conditioned, wanted it more, whatever you want to call it. Yeah, we were found a bit wanting, I guess. It got a little bit … the game opened up a little bit and we were found wanting a little bit. We carried too many (players).’’

Sandringham has a bye on the weekend and returns to action on Saturday week against reigning premier Port Melbourne.