2012 Reserves Grand Final
"Back to Back"
Always great to be a participant on the last day of the season as we defended our 2011 crown against last years opponent and perennial reserves powerhouse Old Xavs Supporters of both clubs have got well acquainted in recent times with the 19s & reserves twice taking on the black and red in the last fortnight plus the seniors facing off in last weeks preliminary final. A typical EP Spring day with a healthy breeze blowing across the ground toward the golf course side that if anything was favouring the Glenhuntly Road end. Xavs much better early as they peppered the goals. A mistake gifted Xavs the first goal of the game and they followed with another soon after. They had 5 or 6 shots on goals before we threatened but we finished the quarter in good style. Trailing by just points 4 was a good result as for much of the quarter we were on the back foot.
We were the better team through the middle stages of the game and seemed to control the contest. In a tight, low scoring game we jumped out to a 3 goal lead and looked to be in a commanding position. For a time Joel Phillips looked like winning the game of his own boot and was proving a real handful for the Xavs defence. The momentum shifted late in the third and carried over into the last. Leading by 14 points at the final change we could not get the ball past the centre as they bombarded the goals and owned possession. A number of Xavs shots to the scoreboard goal sailed wide with several others rushed through as the lead was whittled away. Finally a scrambled goal and it was back to under a kick. The next 10 minutes was just ferocious contested football. We had some chances but some poor decision making going forward hurt us as the ball rebounded out of our attacking zone. As the quarter ticked down Xavs continued to attack. It looked like just a matter of time before our resistance would be broken but we hung in under enormous pressure. In a frantic finish first ‘Fruity’ Roberts and then Nath Roberts had their own ‘Leo Barry’ moments with strong pack marks in the dying seconds. Mercifully the siren sounded with the Blue and Gold prevailing by 3 points in another epic grand final.
Plenty of good performers today. Ryan Harris typically ferocious and was awarded the BOG medal. His courage in running back with the flight right on the ¾ time siren in front of a rampaging Xavs full forward was inspirational. Ben Pratt showed his class and with James Crowe led the resistance under extreme pressure. Luke Semmel worked hard all day and Nath Roberts had a great game, rucking unchanged for much of the day.
Well done to Dom, Lochie, Rizo, Paul Lourey and all the players and officials for making the De La 2s such a special group.
De La Salle 7.6.48
Old Xavs 5.15.45
Goal Kickers: J. Phillips 2, J. Harris , E. Clinch , T. Parker , M. Duggan , N. Fyfield
Best Players: R. Harris, B. Pratt, J. Crowe, J. Phillips, L. Semmel, N. Roberts
Last Modified on 05/10/2013 20:45