The Carlton Reserves were able to take home the win in Round 5, after a tight match against Sandringham at IKON Park on Sunday morning led to a three-point victory.

There were multiple lead changes throughout the game, with the Zebras taking the lead by five points at the 22-minute mark in the last quarter. But an impressive three-goal last quarter - including a late match-winner - from Ned Cahill saw the Blues secure the win.

Jordan Boyd had a successful return back from injury, collecting 21 disposals and having an impact in both areas of the field. Paddy Dow (40 disposals) once again was impressive in the midfield, and Ned Cahill converted four goals.

Quarter one

An injury in the warm-up saw Sam Durdin replaced by Hayden Gill for his debut. It was perfect conditions down at IKON Park, with Jack Carroll opened proceedings with the first major of the game. Sandringham was quick to respond, but Lachie Plowman and Domanic Akuei were strong in the backline as the opposition started to get into the contest. The play was mostly in the Blues’ forward half for the first half of the quarter, but struggled to convert, but back-to-back goals saw the Zebras make the most of their attacking opportunities. In his return, Jordan Boyd was heavily involved down back, as a late goal from Ned Cahill brought the Blues within four points at the first change.

Quarter two

Both teams came out playing physical football, creating attacking opportunities for their teams but struggling to convert. Dow had hot hands on the Sherrin early, having a strong presence in the midfield alongside Lachlan Fogarty, whose pressure was setting the tone. Jaxon Binns showcased his speed and worked the ball nicely down the wing, while Luke Parks took a few intercept marks to stopping the Zebras’ momentum. It was scrappy football in the second term between the arcs, as Binns kicked the first goal of the term at the 25-minute mark. However, indicative of the match, the Zebras soon followed suit after a 50-metre penalty, with another just before the siren given them a one-goal lead.

Quarter three

Two minutes in, Blake Kuipers was there to soccer the ball in for a quick goal after Dow’s good work out of the middle. Lachie Plowman pushed forward with a rare goal as he gave the Blues a slight lead from long range, but Sandringham was right there to return the favour. Scrappy football continued as the Zebras collected a goal eight minutes in, with the opposition’s ball use giving them an eight-point lead at the final change.

Quarter four

The sun came shining down for the last quarter, and the Blues came out firing with a beautiful transition down the field seeing Cahill convert his second goal. Akuei continued to contest well in the air, and Binns carried on his fine form on the wing. Cahill was lively all quarter, taking a beautiful mark before kicking the goal from 30 metres out as the Blues snatched a five-point lead. Plowman and Tyreece Leiu applied the pressure down back, but a goal against the flow saw the Zebras draw within a point. Both teams’ defensive lines did well to quell opposition attacks, but a free kick to Sandringham saw them take the lead back. However, a late major from Cahill gave the Blues their third consecutive win come the final siren.

CARLTON RESERVES    3.3     4.8     6.11    9.17  (71)
SANDRINGHAM           4.1     6.2     8.7       10.8   (68)

GOALS
Carlton: Cahill 4, Ronke, Plowman, Kuipers, Carroll, Binns

BESTS
Carlton: Cahill, Dow, Fogarty, Carroll, Binns, Boyd

Samantha Smith is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing her Bachelor of Media and Communications (Sports Journalism). She is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.