There was no doubting the physical effort of the Red 'n' blacks this afternoon, but despite applying pressure on the slick De La team for most of the afternoon, victory slipped their fingers late in the piece.

The conditions were windy and often slippery, a whole world away from the perfect Autumn afternoon that was the backdrop to the campaign opening last week. The result was the same, however, and so were the problems: poor decision making and skill errors have now seen the Claret and Stout drop two games the arguably should have won.

Xavs enjoyed the advantage in most of the stats that count, except the one that actually decides the result. Plenty of forward entries proved not only fruitless, but springboards for the Blue and Golds to launch counter-attacks. While the visitors often made matters more difficult as they attacked consistently along the defensive flank, the DLS runners stuck to the script and worked their way with patience on the other side..

In the end, with scoring shots at a premium, the home team shot a little straighter and edged ahead as the clock entered time-on. The Red 'n' Blacks should be commended on their efforts into the gale, which were nearly enough to grab the points. Quite remarkable really, when one considers that their two quarters with the wind had yielded them a zero point advantage.

Still, it wasn't a day for forwards, with conditions aiding the strong defensive work of the Blue and Golds.Luke Bisset was outstanding, while Dan Noonan and Alex Trigar played well in defence. Tomi Johnston continued .his fine form in the middle and around the ground, showing again what a master he is.

An 0-2 start is not the ideal, but their is always a time for atonement. Xavier Nation would like to see that sooner rather than later.

De La Salle      3.1-19     4.6-30    7.6-48   10.8-68

Old Xaverians 2.5-17     4.6-30    7.8-50   8.10-58

Goal Kickers: D. Stanford 2, B. Olsson, C. Johnston, J. Milhuisen, D. Symeopoulos, T. Johnston, M. Margin

Best Players: L. Bisset, A. Trigar, D. Noonan, C. Johnston, T. Johnston, D. Symeopoulos

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