ROUND five 2023 was a rude wakeup call for perennial contenders Cora-Lynn as Dalyston knocked them over at their Cobradome. Once-bitten, twice shy and the lessons they learnt that day shaped their four-goal victory in the return bout at Dalyston.
Bolstered by the inclusion of Billy Thomas, Corey Machaya and Josh Cochrane (late-season recruit from St Kilda City) they came fully loaded to test the Magpies.
Despite having started the season in tremendous fashion Dalyston’s progress has stalled but the bye-week freshen up and return of Mitch Hallahan gave them confidence of a return to form.
Both teams had to contend with the influence of the strong gusty wind blowing towards the southern end pocket in what turned out to be an enthralling contest well into the last term.
Heading to the highway end Dalyston’s Jaxon Foon gave his team the perfect start with a strong mark to goal within the first minute.
The Cobras found their composure and quickly began to find their own targets. Gardiner, Villella, Ryan Gillis and Da Coasta threaded through consecutive goals fuelled by the attacking play of Warkuss and Cochrane.
The Magpies keen to stay competitive doubled down on their tackling pressure and Mason Storr made the most of a rare forward-50 entry, with a big grab and goal to keep his team in the hunt 13 points adrift at quarter time.
Dalyston’s turn with the wind offered them some welcome relief and their endeavour to run in support of their team-mates created multiple scoring options throughout the second term.
Jake Barry scored an early goal before Gillis countered for the Cobras but the Magpies controlled the next twenty minutes and two goals to Hallahan who had shifted forward gave them a six point advantage to finish the half.
Scores were locked again when Gardiner completed an excellent Monckton pass to kick his second, and the league’s leading goal kicker became a growing presence from that point.
His ability to out-position his direct opponent was being an increasing issue and big Nathan was beginning to thirst for more leather.
Gardiner strung together the next two but a late response by Jack Legione had the Magpies posed for a big finish, just seven points behind and only the final term to play.
Unfortunately for Dalyston the old saying ‘the wind won’t do it for you’ rang true. Cora-Lynn cleverly worked the ball along the defensive flank and their full-foward was front and centre once more for his fifth with a sixth to follow.
The Magpies were rolled but didn’t roll over and they will take heart in their increased competitiveness as they head to Koo Wee Rup this weekend.
Dalyston hoping to redeem their own round one loss this time around.
