Seniors
Another big test as we ventured out to Melbourne Uni to take on the 2nd placed Blacks. After parking the mandatory two suburbs away on arrival we were greeted by a construction site as the much loved ‘pavy’ (that is loved by the Uni folk, not by visiting clubs) had been demolished to make way for a new facility. Through no fault of the hosts the temporary arrangements were humble to say the least with portable change rooms and toilets. But the ground was in reasonable nick despite the recent rain. What we saw was our 5th heart stopper in 6 outings and while the game probably did not live up to 1st v 2nd billing it was a tight and tough contest from start to finish.
Blacks started the better we were on the back foot for most of the first 15 minutes however we finished the quarter well and led at the 5 points at the first change. We started to link up well with Clinch and Nicholson the goal kickers.
The positive finish to the first was quickly forgotten in a very disappointing second quarter. We were terribly wasteful with 6 straight behinds but more critically we had a 10 minute lapse allowing them 3 unanswered goals. In what was generally a goal for goal contest this was a crucial period in the context of the game and we trailed by 7 points at half time.
We opened the scoring in the third but the Blacks quickly replied to maintain the buffer. As we had done in the first we finished the quarter strongly and the longer the quarter went the better we looked. We had our nose in front by a point but a crucial decision really hurt us when Sam Haslem’s long set shot sailed through the goals almost on the ¾ time bell. A questionable pushing decision went against us and the goal was disallowed. In a low scoring game this was a huge moment in the game.
Blacks came out hard in the last quarter. Twice they created what looked like a winning break and twice we managed to get the margin back under a goal. An inability to hit targets at important times was costly with Blacks scoring several last quarter goals from direct turnovers. In the end we went down by 11 points and despite not getting the win we were not disgraced.
Aside from a period in the second quarter we more than matched them. At times they exposed us with their height and at times we troubled them with our run and spread but full credit to the opposition. They managed to kick the crucial goals when needed and deserved the win.
Tyson Hunt played his best game for several seasons and Jake Gotch was a great four quarter contributor. Sam Haslem and Nick Roberts continued their solid form with Moloney and Baxter good in defence.
Next week a big home game triple-header for the Lasallian cup against a resurgent St Bedes.
De La Salle 7.11.53
Uni Blacks 9.10.63
Goal Kickers: S. Pickett 2, E. Clinch 2, H. Nicholson 2, N. Roberts
Best Players: T. Hunt, J. Gotch, S. Haslem, N. Roberts, T. Moloney, J. Baxter
Reserves
The Uni Blacks 2s sat on top of the ladder so this would be a tough encounter on their home deck. We started well and for a quarter and a half we looked much the better side. Blacks then pulled it back going into half time and enjoyed a long period of domination during the third quarter. With the game locked up we finished much the better and have now moved into 2nd place on the ladder.
De La Salle 7.11.53
Uni Blacks 4.13.37
Goal Kickers: R. McArdle 2, D. Close 2, L. Jarvis , J. McKay , J. Griffiths
Best Players: D. Convery, M. Duggan, G. McDonough, H. Haley, P. Harrison, D. Hutchinson
Thirds
After a tough start to the year the boys have now strung together 2 big win on the trot. Espinosa and Adam Kovarik each bagging 6 with Ben Griffin B.O.G. The consistent Steve Hogan and Ryan McDonough also solid contributors.
De La Salle 22.20.152
Old Carey 3.3.21
Goal Kickers: E. Espinosa 6, A. Kovarik 6, C. Watts 2, S. Morwood 2, N. Hogan 2, D. Millwood , L. O’Donnell , L. Williams , R. McDonough
Best Players: B. Griffin, S. Hogan, R. McDonough, J. Terrell, N. Beaumont, E. Espinosa
Club 18
We almost cracked the double ton and sit right in the middle of what seems to be a two tiered competition. Plenty of goal kickers led by Dwyer with 6 and Kovarik with 5. Oakley, Dickinson and Dwyer the best.
De La Salle 29.20.194
Monash Blues 3.4.22
Goal Kickers: W. Dwyer 6, T. Kovarik 5, B. Oakley 4 H. Browning, C. Hyde, J. Haley 3, S. Byers, J. Comerford, W. Hassall, P. Monaghan, T. Nicholas 1
Best Players: B. Oakley, Z. Dickinson, W. Dwyer, H. Browning, T. Leary, C. Hyde
19 Blues
A big game as we took on St Kevins who have been travelling well. We started well but by half time St Kevins looked to have our measure. We battled hard but eventually went down by 30 points. However some good signs for this very young group and with some returning players we will continue to improve. A big game next week against 2nd placed St Bedes as we cling to 4th spot.
De La Salle 9.3.57
St Kevins 12.15.87
Goal Kickers: J. Gava 2, H. Zaia 2, X. Leonard , H. Curtis , P. Hatch , M. Hogan , C. Haley
Best Players: M. Dumbleton, S. McGraw, S. Harrington, J. Stewart, W. Kanz, M. Harvey
19 Golds
A hard fought 10 point win against a much improved Hampton Rovers. Leading comfortably at half time the Rovers pegged us back but we managed to hold on. Damon Grant, Jamie O’Sullivan and Dylan Cowan best with Jackson Wheeler booting 3 goals. We now sit in 4th spot.
De La Salle 15.12.102
Hampton Rovers 14.8.92
Goal Kickers: J. Wheeler 3, J. Dennehy 3, J. O'Sullivan 2, B. Jopling 2, J. Pirovano 2, D. Grant , M. Mullaly , P. O'Brien
Best Players: D. Grant, J. O'Sullivan, D. Cowan, B. Cranage, A. Munday, T. Shallue
Last Modified on 13/10/2013 11:43