The mighty De La two’s have erased the memory of last years grand final heartbreak in the best possible way with a rousing 53 point victory over Old Xavs to win the Premier Reserves Grand Final. Against a strong Xavier team containing a number of established senior players De La led from start to finish in a brilliant four-quarter effort.
On a reasonably calm day by Elsternwick Park standards De La kicked with a wind that was perhaps worth just a couple of goals rather than the traditional HQ springtime hurricane. We started brightly keeping Xavs to just 3 points while kicking four goals. Steve Muller particularly prominent early with a couple of first quarter majors. As expected Xavs came out hard in the second with their prime movers starting to have an impact. The lead was back to two goals about 15 minutes in but the blue and gold found another gear. Close and Hansen dominant as we finished the quarter in style kicking the next 3 goals to take a handy 30 point lead into half time. The third was more of the same. The mid field runners Haslem, Clinch, Williams, Bull and Kneebone were creating havoc. Jack Jarvis was very lively up forward and Rishton McArdle, who has been brilliant through the finals, again on top in the ruck and around the ground. Sherman and Nankervis were simply impassable across halfback and the dangerous Xavs key forwards were being well held by Palmer and Griffin. By ¾ time we had opened up a commanding 59 point lead. Even with a stiffening breeze favouring Xavs in the last we had surely done enough. The final quarter was a formality as we held the opposition at bay and to run out comfortable winners by 53 points. Sam Haslem named B.O.G in an outstanding four quarter display.
Coaching reserves is an unforgiving business, particularly this season when injuries right across the board has led to a massive line up changes most weeks. Full credit to Dom, Leigh, Lachlan and their team. Under difficult circumstances they have managed to play consistent football all season and then step it up another gear at the sharp end. There is no doubt that a good number of these boys will be senior players next year and beyond while some of the veterans can be particularly pleased with their efforts in bringing another flag back to East Malvern. Well done to all on a fantastic victory
So the 2012 wash up – six teams, four finalist, three grand finals and two flags. A pretty good return for what was in many ways has been a particularly difficult season. As a club we desperately want to be part of it again next year and are greedy for an even bigger share of the premierships on offer.
DLS 4.2 7.3 12.4 14.4.88
OX 0.3 2.3 2.5 5.5.35
Goal Kickers: D. Close 3, J. Jarvis 3, S. Muller 2, L. Bull , A. Kneebone , T. Kovess , L. Williams , S. Haslem , W. Fenton
Best Players: S. Haslem, S. Muller, J. Hansen, D. Close, M. Nankervis, R. Sherman
Premier Seniors
Well done to Collegians who won the senior premiership holding off a determined St Bedes to win by 36 points. Certainly the best two sides for the year with Collegians the best side on the day. They deserved their success particularly on the back of some recent grand final heartbreak. It is probably a touch frustrating to see the purples raise the trophy having beaten them reasonably comfortably twice this season. Just goes to show that the premiership team is usually the side that performs the best over five months, not just on selective occasions. It does however give our boys great heart that on our day we can beat the best in the comp. The aim of course in 2012 of to have more of ‘those days’ and be part of the big dance come this time next season.
Last Modified on 26/10/2011 18:00