SUMMARY
DLS, fielding its most inexperienced team with 12 players with less than 10 Senior games played, responded quickly to the Blues early onslaught with goals to 1st gamer Olmo Salvatore and 3rd gamer Locky Bull. Although Blues regained the lead soon after, DLS with 3 unanswered goals, one after a spectacular pack mark in the goal square by the diminutive Jacob Gotch, took a 12 point lead into the 1st break.

With their use of a blustery wind Blues steadily whittled away at the DLS lead and by half time had established a slender 2 point lead.The game was of a high standard considering the wind and poor ground surface. Tackling was fierce from both combatants as DLS threatened to pull off an unexpected victory racing to an 15 point lead midway through the 3rd quarter before Blues scored twice in quick succession. Not to be denied DLS hit back with a fine snapped goal from Greg Hesse and then right on the ¾ time siren vice captain Michael Duggan raced away from a Blues opponent to score with a long running goal.

DLS slender 11 point margin held for a tense 5 minutes of final quarter football with both teams throwing everything into the contest. Blues scored twice before Rish McArdle goaled from an off the ground kick from a scrimmage close to goal. It was a further 14 minutes before Blues scored twice to run out winners by 8 points in an entertaining game which saw the young DLS team gallant in defeat.

QTR 1
DLS kicking with a blustery wind opened strongly winning centre clearances decisively. However U Blues were 1st to score and had 2 goals on the board at the 6 minute mark. 1st gamer Olmo Salvatore marked strongly at CHF and converted for his 1st Senior goal. Good football from Duggan to Hesse landed the ball with Locky Bull whose running goal from the flank leveled the score. The DLS defence was coping well and Al Dwyer provided running and Al Greenhalgh having the better of his opponent. Blues, from far fewer entries, were looking dangerous and regained the lead at the 16 minute mark. Play swung between
defences with Tim Demetriou securing many possessions and using them to advantage. Michael Duggan was also “on fire” creating several promising moves with penetrating runs and long disposals.
Jacob Gotch broke the DLS goal drought when he intercepted the kick in. Demetriou benefiting from a well placed hit out by Sam Nethersole snapped truly to regain the lead for DLS. The DLS forwards put extreme pressure on the Blues defence which kept the ball constantly in their forward zone. Jacob Gotch soared over a goal square pack to mark sensationally to give DLS a 12 point margin at the break.

QTR 2
U Blues, now with the wind, attacked repeatedly and goaled after 5 minutes despite the fine defensive work of the DLS back 6. Defences of both teams were in control as unproductive entries prevailed. Ryan Sherman, continuing his final quarter form from the Xavs game, used his ability to brake lines as DLS looked dangerous. His long goal was DLS only major for the term while U Blues added 2 further goals and go into the ½ time break with a slender 2 point margin. It had been an interesting contest with the 3 “D”s Demetriou, Dwyer & Duggan prominent while the youngsters had acquitted themselves well.

QTR 3
DLS full of enthusiasm against their more fancied opponents peppered the scoring zone but 2 behinds was a poor reward! Finally after a fine run from Duggan landed the ball with big Sam Nethersole who kicked truly and DLS had the lead again. James Lamb, receiving a well placed and timed hand ball, from Gotch snapped accurately for his 1st Senior goal and extend the DLS lead to 11 points. Playing with confidence but loosing around the stoppages, DLS was let down by hurried disposals out of defence. This was particularly galling as the defensive unit was doing exceedingly well in winning the contested ball. Blues Chadwick kicked his 4th to temporarily arrest the DLS charge. Duggan after another HBG passed to Dan Close who passed to Demetriou for a mark
and goal. 5 minutes of unproductive play ensued before the somewhat desperate U Blues goaled twice and the lead changed again.Dan Close, who was playing with new found confidence, again shot a superb pass to Demetriou which was too hot for him. Recovering quicker than his opponent, Demetriou shot out a great hand pass to Greg Hesse who snapped a fine goal to regain the lead for DLS. Young ruckman Chris Kelliher’s hit out found Duggan whose long run around the pavilion flank produced a team lifting goal right on the ¾ time siren.

QTR 4
With an 11 point margin to protect DLS attacked into the fluctuating wind. Both teams were anxious to score 1st in this final quarter! After 5 minutes it was Blues who did it and followed up some 4 minutes later to regain the lead, this time by 4 points. It was desperate stuff. A scrimmage at DLS CHF with many players involved. A kick off the ground landed the ball with Rish McArdle close to goal which he did and DLS led by 2. In the ensuing 14 minutes De La managed only 2 behinds. It was good intense football despite the mistakes flowing from most players as composure became an elusive skill. Finally Blues goaled and the lead had changed for the 8th and final time. Although literally “out on their feet” the DLS players fought out the final 5 minutes which saw Blues win a good contest by 8 points.