De La Salle vs Old Trinity

Match Report

Game opened in light rain with OT kicking to the end favoured by a moderate breeze (according to the Reserves 2022 Premiership flag). OT dominated possession & kicked the first 2 goals by the 5 minute mark!

Tense, hard fought play ensued with game being played mainly in DLS forward zone, without any scoreboard impact. Trent Shannon, looking stronger this season, stood up in the pack to score DLS 1st goal at the 11 minute mark. Strong contested footy ensued, with neither side dominant, until Trent again goaled at the 17 minute mark for DLS to lead for the 1st time. DLS were now pressing, with play almost entirely in our forward zone. Adrian Indovino, who had been lively by contesting strongly, goaled at the 21 minute mark to give DLS a 7 point lead at the end of Q1. DLS opened strongly, dominating possession with Trent kicking his 3rd at the 4 minute mark. Play was a scramble.

Rain increased & DLS could not capitalise on their domination until Trent kicked his 4th & the team’s 5th goal at the 9 minute mark. Although in total control, DLS had little scoreboard impact, only adding 3 behinds in 15 minutes play almost continuously in the DLS forward zone. Remarkably, OT kicked 3 goals from the 24 minute mark to half time, with their domination of centre clearances creating scoring opportunities.

OT had reduced the comfortable DLS 23 point lead to 7, which was the same as the quarter 1 differential. The Trent Shannon forward play tutorial continued, when he licked his 5th & team’s 6th within 20 seconds of Q3 start. The ruck work of Tom Stanton, in negating a previously dominant OT ruck, gave DLS forwards continuous chances. DLS on ballers, perennial Jake Williams, new comer Lachie Gawel & wingers Liam Jenkins & Campbell Bedford were a constant source of drive & DLS dominance.

Lachie scored his 1st goal for DLS when he took a hand pass at top of zone & kicked truly. Much celebration from DLS players & his family in the supporters sheltering from the heavy rain. Although DLS had re established its scoreboard lead, OT were attacking the contest strongly.  DLS defence, led by 19. Blues graduate Will McKinnon, was steadfast, despite the loss of Tom Dean-Johns with a bad finger injury.

The defence, ably led by co captain Sean Fisher, were effective all game. OT, for all their improved intensity added only 4 behinds in the quarter, leaving DLS with an 18 point lead at ¾ time. OT maintained their intensity at the contest but added only 3 behinds, which was inadequate reward for their effort!

Trent (only 1st name needed now), sealed the game with his 6th goal at the 10 minute mark, after heavy work in the pack at the top of the goal square by Liam Murphy. He was again involved hand passing to Adrian Indovino who kicked his 2nd.  In a fine return game, Jack Gava marked & goaled at the 18 minute mark. Young Christian Algeri, who was getting many possessions, goaled from distance at the 22 minute mark. Jack Gava kicked his 2nd to give DLS a well deserved 48 point win over “down from “A” grade” Old Trinity.

Best: Trent Shannon, Will McKinnon, Tom Stanton, Jake Williams, Lachie Gawel, Campbell Bedford
Goals: Shannon 6, Adrian Indovino 2, Jack Gava 2, Christian Algeri, Gawel