In what was to be the biggest test so far for 2010, the reserves triumphed over a very quick and worthy opponent at the Dairy Bell. The first quarter was by far our best this year especially coming up against a team that had beaten and taken it up to some quality opponents in their first three encounters.
Dan Rush was given the forward line to himself and we didn't have to wait too long for a result, kicking the first and then two more shortly thereafter. In his 100th game for the club, Big Dan has been not only dangerous but the model of consistency in his 4 outings thus far. His output with hauls of 7, 6, 6 and 7 has been game breaking with countless other opportunities given to his team mates.
Our game style would have to adapt to the hard running, quick movement that De La always bring to the game and our efforts in slowing down the game, corralling and pressure football was the key to holding the Dairy Bellers and playing patient football. Tim O'Meara and Brad Rogerson were keys to this with their experience in not over committing themselves and holding up the fast pace De La runners which is a key to their game.
With the wind blowing ala Sportscover arena, this would be our biggest test coming into the second stanza. John Pasceri bobbed up kicking two and kept the score board pressure ticking. But in a matter of moments the tide turned for the home side due to some unforced errors and reckless free kicks. Our backmen in Glenn, Coburn and P. Ryan were busy having to repel plenty of play coming in and in turn giving our forwards every opportunity. At the main break the boys in black were only a couple in front with a big second half in store!
The third quarter really started with a bang, Dan Rush was again left alone inside 45 and unlike the size and build he possesses, turned his player inside out and from the boundary kicked a goal P.Daicos would have been proud of. Nick Bye and David Sapuppo were instrumental in the victory giving the on ballers first use and Marcus Allan was running amok booting the ball inside 45 on countless occasions. Brad Rogerson and Patty Myers were doing what was asked and held their opponents to minimal touches as well as putting a few choice hip and shoulders on, which weren't received well by the fans under the tent. Our intensity started to pick up and we could sense the boys were starting to play with confidence and for the first time in a while, using controlled aggression and voice to counter the home sides pace.
At the final change, we asked for run from our back line and they didn't disappoint. Skidmore (Matt) showed some class in not letting the ball past him and produced one of the plays of the day with his little mate Tim Agius. Both starting to revel in senior football which bodes well for the future of Old Xaverians football. The tackle count hit the half century mark which is exactly what was asked for pre game and some opportunistic goals from Santalucia and A.Ryan kept the score board in our favour and in the end, a 26 point win was exactly what we were after.
Another good performance against a quality opposition in tough conditions.