SUMMARY

After starting brilliantly against the reigning premiers Old Xaverians at Toorak Park DLS who led by
17 at the 1st change surrendered the lead late in the 2nd term and went in at half time with a 6 points
deficit. Strong contesting at the centre by David Lowe, Jarrod Moloney and Aaron Shields had
provided the DLS key forwards Matt Moore & Ben Mannix with a steady stream of quality
opportunities. Mannix, the beneficiary of Xav’s concentration on Moore had 3 to the main break and
could have had 4 if his brilliant snap not grazed the inside of the post padding
Xavs 3rd term was all precision football as they overwhelmed the DLS defence which was badly affected by the loss of Allan Greenhalgh who had led the defence in the absence of captain Ben Corin. DLS battled gamely with youngsters Sam Pickett, 2 goals and Dan Close, in defence, showing out. Jeff Morel’s attacking runs from defence and Tom Moloney’s containment of Xav’s Lynch featured prominently in this 3rd term.
Trailing by 35 at ¾ time DLS started the 4th quarter with persistant tackling but spoiled their efforts with poor disposal in the forward half. Mannix from a scramble in front of goal got his 4th and DLS enthusiasm was high despite the 29 point deficit. Xavs surged with 3 unanswered goals, although in this period DLS missed 3 times, to put the result beyond doubt.
An encouraging performance from a determined if undermanned young team against a superb unit whose team work is a fine template for others to emulate.

QTR1
Winning its share of centre breaks where Chris Kelliher was providing Aaron Shields, Jarrod Moloney and David Lowe with clear possessions, DLS attacked constantly. Ben Mannix receiving from a running long kick from acting captain Mike Duggan, marked in the forward pocket & played on for the 1st match goal. Xavs were having their share of entries but Allan Greenhalgh & Dan Close held firm. It was 7 minutes before Xavs Lynch opened their account and added to it some minutes later when his marking strength was evident. It was pleasing to see the young DLS react positively to this early challenge with Duggo creating run. Shields with a great HBG passed to Duggo and his long cross was marked excellently at CHF by Matt Fieldsend. He kicked truly and DLS appeared unfazed by their quality opponents.
Jeff Morel playing his usual high possession running game passed to Close who continued the run crossing to the leading Matt Moore. Moore the recipient of attention from 2 & 3 players whenever he approached the ball was freed in the marking contest and goaled to give DLS a 4 point lead. Shields receiving from J Moloney stormed out the centre, passed to Mannix who was also impeded and freed close to goal. His 2nd gave DLS a 12 point buffer.
11 minutes of strongly contested play ensued before Sam Pickett’s superb tackle was rewarded and he got his first for the day to give DLS a handy 17 point lead at the break.

QTR2
Xavs now kicking with the 2 goal wind, surged forward from the bounce and goaled. Clarke goaled some minutes later and it appeared DLS now being beaten out of the centre appeared to be wilting under the constant onslaught! However the defence with Will Fenton featuring with fine anticipation was standing strong. Pickett playing on after a strong mark passed to the irrepressible Mannix who out marked 2 opponents 15 meters from goal. Attempting to play on his kick was smothered. A mad scramble ensues. A Mannix foot connects with a free ball and his 3rd is on the board. Remarkable!
Goals are hard to come by despite an overwhelming number of Xav’s entries. Fleming goals for Xavs but is answered soon after by David Lowe who snaps truly after Mannix has somehow got the ball clear of a milling pack.
Although it is an even contest generally, Xav’s inaccuracy was keeping DLS in touch. Douglas goaled twice near the break to hand them a 6 behind lead. This was the 1st time since very early in the game that Xav’s held the lead.
It was a fine tribute to the whole defensive unit,and the team generally, that DLS was still competitive in view of the 20:6 entries for the quarter in Xav’s favour.

QTR3
Xav’s, the best 2nd half team in the comp, came out firing and increased the margin to 19 quickly. Lowe working hard in the centre to J Moloney to a contested Pickett mark for a badly needed goal. Xav’s responded when the defence now without Greenhalgh struggled to clear the ball from their attacking zone. 2 goals resulted from this pressure. The on ballers had re-established equilibrium at the centre contests. Josh Oakley playing a containing role marked in a tough contest. His long kick found Moore and his 2nd goal relieved the pressure somewhat. 3 unanswered goals in as many minutes threatened to destroy DLS resistance. Pickett roving a hit out from Moore snapped a fine goal to keep DLS from sagging. Right on the siren Xav’s scored again to complete an 8 goal quarter. Goaling at 61% of entries demonstrated Xav’s efficacy of delivery.

QTR4
Trailing by 35 points going into the final quarter, DLS could have been forgiven if dismayed at the task confronting them. Inspired by a Mannix goal from a ruck contest close to goal DLS contested fiercely all over the ground. Testimony to this contesting was it took Xavs to the 9 minute mark to record their 1st of the quarter. They then added 2 more but NOT in a surge but rather spread over 15 minutes of play. In this period DLS could not maximise results from their forward thrusts. Moore moving freely around the forward line effectively spoiled from the kick in. Lowe roved cleanly handpassing to Demetriou who ran in to score DLS 12th
Overall a good effort considering the quality of the opposition, the absence of key players and the loss of tall defenders. However one statistic bears consideration.
Entries DLS 53 Xavs 62. Scoring % to entries:Xavs 61% DLS 41%


Colin Glover
Secretary De La Salle OCA FC Inc