Seniors
Preliminary Final
After a loss like that it is very difficult to find the words so this will be brief.
A great start with the first 4 goals of the game. The gap remained pretty much at that margin until ¾ time. Several times they came hard and each time we found an answer. With a 26 point lead at the last change we knew they would come again but this time we could not hold them out.
When our ruckmen went down early in the last we got dominated at the clearances We just could not get our hands on the ball as they owned possession. To their credit they kicked a number of clutch goals – 8.1 in the last quarter is a fair effort under that sort of pressure.
For much of the day Brett Eddy looked like wining the game off his own boot with a fantastic display up forward. Tom Humphrey typically desperate and was a rock once again in the back line. Midfield warriors Shields and Lowe left nothing on the field as they fought valiantly. In fact in the wash up there were not too many passengers. No excuses. A brave effort but 3 quarters won’t win finals. The boys were crushed as you might expect but we dust ourselves of and support the Reserves who try and defend their 2011 title next weekend.
Well done to all associated with this team in 2012. A huge roller coaster of emotions all year that sadly ended on a low.
De La Salle 11.10.76
Old Xavs 14.6.90
Goal Kickers: B. Eddy 6, D. Lowe , J. Williams , N. Roberts , A. Kneebone , S. Haslem
Best Players: B. Eddy, T. Humphrey, A. Shields, D. Lowe, T. Hunt, C. Kelliher
Reserves
Preliminary Final
The game mirrored last weeks 2nd semi only this time it was us who allowed the opposition a big early lead before fighting back to win the game. A terrible start as their mids dominated and we allowed acres of space for their forwards. By half way though the second we were 29 points down and lucky to still be in touch. We then stemmed the tide and started to win our share of the ball. A spectacular mark and goal from ‘Fruity’ Roberts just before half time gave us some belief going into the main break. We then dominated the third quarter and held a 1 point lead at the final change. We skipped out to a 27 point lead but three quick goals to Collegians narrowed the margin to 9 points with a few minutes left. Tyson Parker then iced the game with a nice long shot from the boundary.
Far from our best effort but we played enough good football to see us into another grand final against Old Xavs.
De La Salle 13.7.85
Collegians 10.10.70
Goal Kickers: N. Fyfield 3, J. Phillips 2, T. Parker 2, J. Harris , R. Harris , A. Roberts , M. Duggan , J. Crowe , L. Williams
Best Players: J. Crowe, J. Hansen, N. Roberts, B. Humphrey, R. Harris, L. Williams
19 Blues
Grand Final
The remarkable U19 rivalry between De La Salle and Old Xaverians at this level continued. The 4th grand final in a row between these clubs and the 5th in 7 years.
Xavs had got the points in all 3 previous encounters this season but in each one of these games we were in a winning position. No doubt that last weekends preliminary against St Bernards was the extra run we needed as for the first time in several weeks we looked to have found some form.
We made a good start and led by 3 goals at the first break. They came hard in the second but each time we found a reply. A dominant period leading up to half time as we extended the margin to 5 goals at the main break. Seb Gotch played a fantastic first half, running hard and creating opportunities while Josh Fisher was rebounding everything off half back. Oscar Persson imposing himself at Centre Half Forward while Charlie Haley and Hugh Nicholson were proving a handful for the Xavs defence.
The third quarter was epic stuff. Three quick goals to Xavs and the game was on the line. A few times they looked like running over the top but we kept them at bay with desperate defending. The backline stood up under extreme pressure with Brooks, McGraw and Mattiske leading the way. The ¾ time lead of 13 points was quickly reduced to 7. But we really dug deep. Two quick goals to Howard and we had some breathing space. Goals to Charlie Haley and Nicholson then followed. Brad Wilson was exceptional around the clearances in the last quarter as we ran away with the game with the game to record a brilliant 40 point win. A fantastic team effort with everyone making a contribution. Our 6th Under 19 Premier Division Flag in 9 years.
* Footnote: On Thursday afternoon Hugh Nicholson almost severed his thumb at work. He had surgery on Friday and was told not to play. He required plastic surgery to close the wound but this required several weeks of no activity. He declined. With a heavily bandaged thumb full of stitches and a protective guard making ball handling difficult he took the field. Due to the nature of the injury he was unable to take anything but take a few Panadol and played the game in extreme pain. He kicked 4 goals, set up several others and was awarded the Best on Ground medal. Toughness and bravery on the football field is measured in different ways. This effort is right up there.
De La Salle 15.10.100
Old Xavs 9.6.60
Goal Kickers: H. Nicholson 4, C. Haley 4, J. Howard 3, B. Wilson , J. Bull , J. Fisher , S. Gotch
Best Players: H. Nicholson, B. Wilson, J. Fisher, S. Brooks, J. Mattiske, s. McGraw
19 Golds
Grand Final
A brave effort against a very strong and well-drilled Parkdale side. Parkdale were boasting a number of boys who have played senior football this season and were just too good for us today. We were still right in the hunt at half time but they away from us in the third quarter. We showed typical character and fought the game right out with 6 last quarter goals. Credit to them as 18.6 is very good finishing. This team has come a long way since last year and it was remarkable achievement to make the grand final.
De La Salle 10.10.70
Parkdale 18.6.114
Goal Kickers: J. HANLEY 4, M. Hogan 2, J. Tsoutsouras , D. Grant , P. Hatch, K. Wallis
Best Players: S. HARRINGTON, J. HANLEY, J. Duhau, M. PENNACCHIA
Last Modified on 05/10/2013 20:43