THE Casey Scorpions were unable to continue their winning ways on Saturday, going down to Sandringham by 35 points at Casey Fields.

In very windy conditions, the St Kilda-aligned Zebras dominated possession early in the contest and held an advantage on the scoreboard for the duration of the match - winning 13.15.93 to Casey's 8.10.58. 

Scoring opportunities would be rare in the first term but three missed set shots didn't help the Scorpions cause. A goal from Sandringham's Sam Gilbert would be the only major of the scrappy opening quarter, setting up a five-point Zebra lead at the first change.

The visitors would extend their lead with consecutive goals in the second term before Matt Jones was able to kick Casey's first from the goal square after benefiting from a 50 metre penalty.

A goal from Casey-listed player Tom Muir soon after had the Scorpions back in the game, but the Zebra's responded with the next three goals of the match.

Jack Grimes was able to keep the Scorpions in touch with a goal, but a late response from Sandy gave them a 25-point buffer at the long interval.

Goals from Mitch Gent, Max Gawn and Will Petropoulos cut the deficit to seven points, but as they did earlier, Sandy was able to respond with consecutive goals. Demon-rookie James Harmes was able to rove the pack to kick his first of the day shortly before three-quarter time.

The Scorpions fought hard throughout the last term, but were unable to restrict the Zebra's who kicked four goals to one to run out comfortable winners.

Jack Grimes and Viv Michie, back in Casey lineup after Melbourne's loss to Fremantle last week, put their hands up for an immediate recall to the senior team, gathering 29 possessions each.

Matt Jones was another to gather 29 touches while Dean Terlich picked up 26 and Jordie McKenzie had 22.

Ruckman Max Gawn's injury concerns seem behind him with another strong performance with 18 possessions, 11 marks and a goal.

Melbourne draftee Alex Neal-Bullen was another to have 18 touches, not only finding the ball but also leading the tackle-count with seven along with Grimes.

Casey takes on Port Melbourne next Saturday at North Port Oval at 2pm. The game will be a must win to stay in touch with the upper end of the VFL ladder with Saturday's loss leaving the Scorpions season at two wins and two losses.

Click back to melbournefc.com.au later this week for a round-up by coach Justin Plapp.