THE Daylesford Bulldogs survived a massive scare from a fast-finishing Newlyn on the weekend, just holding on to beat the Cats by one point.
In very difficult and wet conditions, Daylesford managed to get out to a four goal lead in the third term, which would be a very big lead given the conditions, but Newlyn came home with a wet sail, keeping the Bulldogs scoreless in the final term to almost snatch victory.
Cade O'Brien was best on ground for Daylesford, revelling in the wet conditions and using the football brilliantly when most others couldn't.
His big body in the stoppages proved to be a match winner for the Bulldogs as time and again he extracted the footy for his teammates.
Daylesford got off to a terrific start in the first term, booting three goals with two of them coming from the boot of Andrew Button.
The Bulldogs were simply moving the ball forward with much more effectiveness than their Newlyn opponents, who could only muster the one behind for the quarter.
The second quarter would prove to be much more even, however Daylesford squandered its chances to increase the margin due to poor kicking for goal.
From five scoring shots the players only managed one goal for the quarter, while Newlyn got back into the game by kicking two goals for the quarter.
Daylesford still had a three goal advantage going into the main break, and when Button booted his third in the third quarter the game looked all but over.
However, Daylesford continued to be inaccurate in front of goal, and just couldn't put the game beyond doubt despite terrific play from midfielders Xavier Keighran and Toby Hughes.
The Cats kicked a late goal in the third quarter to stay in the match, but Daylesford would still hold on to a 21 point lead going into the final term, and this looked to be enough as the rain began to pour once more.
Daylesford managed to go inside its forward 50 a number of times during the last quarter, but a combination of poor field kicking and outstanding defence from the Newlyn backs prevented any score, while Newlyn rebounded ferociously.
Two incredible late quarter goals got Newlyn back to the barest of margins, but Daylesford was able to hang on _ a huge relief for the players and Bulldogs fans alike.
The win now puts Daylesford three games inside the top six going into the mid year break, with its next game against Buninyong on June 19.
Reserves
THE Daylesford reserves had a confidence-boosting win at the weekend, defeating Newlyn by 50 points in trying conditions.
Daylesford kept Newlyn goalless to three-quarter time, and although a fourth quarter lapse allowed the Cats to reduce the margin, the large win becomes incredibly important for the Bulldogs as it tries to reach the finals for the first time since 2008.
Luke Evans continued his incredible form down back, fast becoming one of the reserves' most valuable players, with his athleticism and willingness to spoil thwarting many opposition attacks.
The spread of goalkickers was also a positive sign for the Bulldog players, who were able to keep scoring at a good rate despite missing key players.
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