De La Salle vs Old Scotch

Tight tussle with both teams giving it their all – the Blues got their noses in front when it mattered the most.

With a chance to freshen up from 2 weeks off, the players were keen to get their boots on and take on the visitors from Old Scotch. And why wouldn’t they? Our home ground was looking in good nick, and the conditions were almost Spring like, considering we are still in the middle of Winter.

We went into the game with a full squad, and with a slightly taller team, particularly with the inclusion of Lyngberg for his first game of the season. Both teams started with plenty of intensity, which basically set the tone for the rest of the game. Hele and Anthony combined well in the middle and contributed well to our clearance rate. Lyngberg kicked his first of three for the day, however the visitors looked very strong across their backline and looked very skilled at moving the ball through the middle third. At the first break, Old Scotch were 8 points up, but by no means in control.

As the game progressed, so did our intensity and pressure. Old Scotch had more forward entries in the 2nd quarter, but as we’ve seen many times before, our backline did what they do best – and that’s not give their opponents an inch. The visitors struggled to convert and capitalise on their chances. With some great controlled ball movement, DeLa were able to deliver the ball with great affect to our key forwards in Wain and Lyngberg who both slotted majors. Only 2 points separated both teams at the main break.

Similar to the 2nd quarter, even though Old Scotch were doing well at stoppages and getting the ball forward, our backline were super impressive. Stewart and Cross were relentless with their negating and ball winning abilities. The later stage of the third quarter DeLa lifted their intensity and pressure. McNidder’s work rate paid off, his hard ball gets and goal on the run was inspirational. Still, only a few points in it.

The last quarter was going to come down to desire and stamina. The good sized crowd were on the edge of their seats as the lead changed hands a few times, and were treated to some hard, tough football with both teams never giving up. DeLa were relentless in their efforts and drew strength from the hard work they have all put in with their pre-season and in-season strength and conditioning training. As a result, DeLa put themselves into a couple of positions to kick goals when needed and seal the game. None better than youngster M. Higg who slotted a set shot from the boundary line to put the team in front. You’ve got to make the most of your chances, and never give up, and that’s what the team did today.

Goals: L. Lyngberg 3, M. Wain 1, S. McNidder 1, M. Higginbotham 1, J. Harper 1

Best: J. Stewart, S. McNidder, S. Cross, E. Macbeth, J. Torey- Toth, C. O’Meara