A highly anticipated game between two sides that have faced off against each other on numerous occasions on the big stage in September.
This time, it was a crisp Toowoomba afternoon in June at Harristown Park. Dalby sitting tied on premiership points with Coolaroo in second and South Toowoomba one game out of the top four. This Round 12 fixture very important for both sides, as finals draw closer.
The game had mouth watering match ups right across the field, with Schaumann (Souths) v Mauch (Dalby), Flannery (Souths) v Dignan (Dalby), Krause (Souths) v Easton (Dalby) and Mills (Souths) v Milford (Dalby).
Nathan Mills had the biggest job of all, containing the competition leading goal kicker in Harry Milford. Swans rely heavily on Milford’s ability to kick freakish goals, week in week out. Milford took the honours on Mills in the first quarter, as he kicked two of Dalby's opening term goals. Key midfielder and State u15 representative Dan Mauch was the other goal kicker, as the Swans were able to take a slender 12point lead at the first change.
A late goal to South Bomber Jacob Schaumann, kept that margin to, two goals but both sides had the opportunity to record more majors.
It was a reversal of roles in the second term, as the Bombers kicked three goals to the Swans one. Going on from the late first quarter goal by Jacob Schaumann, Sam Flannery took a mark and kicked a team lifting goal from 55metres. Goals also to Will Krause and Alex Zatacek, helped the Bombers close the gap to 1point at the long break. Again both sides had the opportunity to put the other away but both sides put the other under extreme pressure when inside 50.
Old fashion arm wrestle in the third quarter, as both sides went inside 50 for inside 50 but it was the Swans who were able to consolidate on the scoreboard kicking 3.2 (20) to 2.5 (17) for the quarter. It was a Brodie Easton master class, as the silky left-footer slotted home 3 goals for the quarter but the Swans were only able to extend their lead to 4points at the final change.
The Bombers were first to strike with a early goal to young-gun Jacob Verrall, which put the Bombers back in the lead. When games get tough, classy players stand up and Dalby key-forward turned it on. Kept quiet by Nathan Mills in the second and third quarters, two quick goals to Harry Milford - one from a set shot and the other snapping over his shoulder, extended the lead back in the Swans favour.
A final goal to Joshua Freyling in red time sealed the victory for the Swannies. Milford finished with four very impressive goals, as the Swans hung onto second place.
What the win means for Dalby
With a BYE next week and then Coolaroo in round 14, the Swans needed these four premiership points to stay in touch with the Roo's. Dalby have the superior percentage, up by 77% over Coolaroo. Coolaroo will be looking to stay in touch with a solid victory over Highfields in Round 13. If Coolaroo can win in Round 13, this will set up a mouth watering game in Round 14 between Dalby and Coolaroo.
What the loss means for South Toowoomba
This was a must win game for the young Bombers, but isn't the end of their 2012 campaign. The preliminary finalists from last year must push themselves next round against Pittsworth and no doubt coach Andrew Smith will be looking for a percentage boosting win over the 8th placed Power. With a BYE in round 14 and Coolaroo in Round 15 and then the table topping Cougars in Round 16 - wins will be worth gold.
The run to finals
Dalby have a BYE next round before facing Coolaroo, Pittsworth, Warwick, University and then a BYE going into finals. Swans should win the clashes against Pittsworth and Warwick, they have enough class to get over the top of the Roo's but University have their measure at the moment. Predicted HOME and AWAY season Ladder finish - 2nd
Souths are sitting fifth, one game behind Warwick on the ladder but with a greater percentage, should make a finals appearance. They have Pittsworth in Round 14 which should be a win, then the BYE followed by Coolaroo, University, Warwick and Highfields - one of the toughest runs home. They should sneak into the top 4 and maybe a giant killer come the finals. Predicted HOME and AWAY season ladder finish - 4th
PHOTO: Brodie Easton (Dalby) and South Toowoomba's Sam Flannery contest the footy in the recent Dalby and South Toowoomba u16 clash. Photo by Janine Smith
Last Modified on 30/06/2012 10:47
