De La Salle v Marcellin

Match Report

It was hard to know what to expect for our U19 Golds, coming off a 7-goal loss, facing Marcellin who won their first match. It was clear from the get go though, that De La had brought a different kind of intensity and focus to the previous week. Joel Tyquin set the tone at the opening bounce, not only winning the tap-out but winning the clearance as well. The boys were making all the right decisions early, it was just our skills which were letting us down. Marcellin was able to capitalise on our turnovers and put serious scoreboard pressure on De La in the first quarter. Pat Baker looked ominous early though, clunking anything in his vicinity. De La was not going to get walked over and would fight out the match for four quarters.

Injuries to Preston Burns and co-captain Marvin Elliott, really stretched the side but our midfield led by Jack Pickles and Zane O’Keefe worked all day with little rest to ensure we kept getting scoring opportunities. Our defence tightened up as well with Ben McLisky and Calvin Lehr intercepting at will to start counter attacks. Scores were level at half-time and some biff on the siren only added to the intense nature the match was being played under.

When hard nut Harris Carlin went down in a heavy hit, De La’s backs were against the wall. You would not have guessed that from looking at the Golds though, as they continued to fight. Xavier Burns, Austin Kelly and Darcy Sinclair all lifted throughout the second half and with Carlin heroically heading back on the field, the momentum was with De La as they took a two-point lead into three quarter time.

Marcellin came out hot though, kicking the first goal of the last quarter to regain the lead. Baker and Tyquin continued to be a huge presence for the side all over the ground and really led from the front. It was two huge rundown tackles inside forward 50 from Pickles and Wayman, that ended up being the difference. Both came out of nowhere as a result of pure desire and a never give up attitude and both led to goals. De La holding on to win by two goals. The team really played in the spirit of ANZAC Day, doing the club proud. We thank all the support which we received from family, friends and players. It was a truly special victory for us. The Golds now move their focus to all-dominating and top of the table Old Camberwell. They have had two 100 point victories to start the season, so the boys will have to play their best for four quarters in order to challenge and give themselves a chance at victory.