De La Salle vs Old Xavarians

Match Report

A revitalised squad today, both on and off the field, resulted in a much needed win for U19 Blues.

When opportunities are presented, you have to make the most of them. So with the Seniors having a bye this week, the selection process at Thursday’s training was both brutal and challenging – a good problem to have. Having five players with Senior experience come into the team this week meant that both U19 squads looked a little different compared to previous weeks.

In conjunction with some on field fire power, the team was also fortunate to have a fresh but experienced voice at the helm today – the clubs very own Sauce. Rather than resting on his day off, he graciously gave the players some valuable insight into the game and inspired them with his infectious enthusiasm. Main message for the group: Talent x Effort = Outcome.

Wain was given license to smash the stoppages, and that he did from the very first bounce. Multiple clearances gave DeLa a dream start. The visitors appeared shell shocked and looked unsettled with DeLa putting on three unanswered goals – 2 from Wain and 1 from Jack P. Some missed opportunities could of rounded out a huge opening quarter for DeLa, but three goals up against quality opposition was a good start.

Our mids combined well in the second quarter to keep Old Xavs backline under the pump. Another four goals, all from four different goal kicker was a great sign that the teams structure was working well, and that our mids were controlling the game and servicing the forwards well.

Our previous encounter with Old Xavs taught us that they are a very strong team, and the third quarter re-enforced this. They came out firing and put on four goals to our one. Momentum had definately swung their way and they let DeLa know it. A slight lapse in intensity from our mids allowed the opposition to win contests in the middle third and have multiple forward entries. Our backline were once again brilliant in handling the pressure, however old Xavs managed to reduce the margin back to around 2 goals.

The last quarter came down to a good old fashion slog. The visitors showed great stamina, like all good sides, and forced DeLa to play defensive. Another awesome display from our backline created much frustration for Old Xavs. Our two goals for the quarter came from good ball use from kick ins, and then quick long bombs into a vacant front half. Linking play from Tommy to Macbeth, to Anthony, and then quick hands to Hele had the later sprinting from the centre square all the way to our goal line, which put the game beyond doubt with his goal. A gutsy team win against a top four side.

Goals: M. Wain 2, J. Pickles 2, J. Cumberlidge, P. Russell, T. Filipovic, L. Lyngberg, E. Hele, A. Liakakos

Best: T. Filipovic, S. Filipovic, M. Wain, J. Cumberlidge, L. Liakakos, J. Pickles