THE Bendigo Bank Bombers' rapid improvement in the VFL continued on Saturday when they defeated Sandringham by 16 points.
The Bombers entered the match at Trevor Barker Beach Oval having lost their previous 10 encounters against the Zebras by an average of 37 points.
However, Sandringham's stranglehold over Bendigo has now been broken after the Bombers won 16.17 (113) to 15.7 (97).
The Bombers - who were winless last year - are one of four teams, along with reigning premier North Ballarat, Williamstown and the Casey Scorpions, that have a 5-1 record after six rounds.
Saturday loomed as a danger game for Bendigo, with the Zebras playing on their home ground and determined to bounce back from a shock 92-point loss to Port Melbourne the previous week.
""Sandringham started really well and came out firing, as we knew they would after their result from last week,'' Bendigo coach Shannon Grant said.
""But we were able to weather that, and to find ourselves leading at quarter-time (4.2 to 3.4) was a pretty good effort.
""Our next two quarters after that we played some good footy, which was pleasing going into three quarter-time.''
The Bombers kicked 10.9 to 7.1 in the second and third quarters to establish a 30-point lead going into the last term.
While the Zebras made a charge in the last quarter, getting as close as eight points, the Bombers were able to hold firm and defeat Sandringham for the first time since 2003.
""We dropped our intensity and work-rate a little in the last quarter and let Sandringham have a look-in,'' Grant said.
""We made some uncharacteristic errors in the last quarter and turned the ball over under no pressure, so that part of it in the last quarter was a little disappointing.
""But apart from that the boys applied themselves well, and Sandringham is always hard to beat on their home turf, so it was a very pleasing result.''
Essendon rookie Taite Silverlock was named the Bombers' best player.
""He worked hard in a number of different roles all day and really stood up and was counted when the game needed to be won,'' Grant said.
Also among the best was Bendigo-listed Michael James in his first game.
""He played half-back and through the midfield and was great for us,'' Grant said.
""He worked his backside off and really played an important role for us.''
Bendigo Pioneer Lucas Anderson was selected as the 23rd player and Grant was pleased with his contribution on debut.
""For an under-18 player it was a tough first game to come into because Sandringham is a strong, physical side like us,'' Grant said.
""Lucas showed some really good signs, so we will certainly give him another opportunity as the 23rd player as the year goes on.''
The impressive Marcus Marigliani continued his good form with three goals.
The Sandringham side included former Bendigo Pioneer Kallen Geary, who also played in the reserves earlier for the Zebras.
This story appears courtesy The Bendigo Advertiser.
