The much-hyped GF re-match saw the under19's face off against its biggest rivals over the last 5 year in DLS. The 9:30 kick off was a change from previous weeks, but being a part of a triple-header for the day was an exciting prospect for the team. Eager to atone for last week’s disappointing performance, the Xavs came out fired up and had the majority of the ball early on. Kicking with the breeze, and with the dew still very much on the ground, DLS struggled to handle the conditions. It was the Xavs winning the 50/50 contests, as the midfield of Curtain, Harangozo and Amad were given first use by ruckman Dom Walker who was jumping early and dominating the taps. For all our dominance and possession though we went to the first break with only a 3-point advantage.
The test was to come as the unders attacked into the wind, and they stood up very well. The run was coming from the back half with Tiernan and Follachio leading the drive from defence and linking up well with Biddlecombe who was presenting and throwing his body into contest after contest at CHF. The pressure on the ball carrier and attack on the football was paying off, as the reining premier became frustrated and undisciplined in their approach, while the Xavs kept pushing. Elliot Pittito and William Goss were proving livewires up forward, while the pace of Bisset, Nidam was very damaging on the wings. We went into the break only 2 points down.
The third quarter was one to forget, after being on level terms for a half and having the wind to start the second half, we were broken down by our opposition and skill errors. DLS started to find free space that wasn’t there early on and got their high possession handball running game going. While the endeavour was still there, our execution dropped off and our pressure fell away too. At the final change a big effort was asked from the players, but the margin was beyond them by this stage as DLS ran out comfortable winners.
The challenge going forward now is a sustained four-quarter effort from all involved and to find the form of the first half, week in week out regardless of the opposition.
This week we are back home at Stradbroke Park against St Bede's, both sides will be desperate for the 4 points in a competition that is looking very even.