Torrens University SA U16 Team defeated by Western Australia

By ZAC MILBANK

Inaccuracy has cost the Torrens University SA U16 team victory in its opening game of the AFL National Championships as it succumbed to Western Australia by five points in Perth.

Despite having five more shots on goal, the Croweaters were unable to place the Sandgropers under significant scoreboard pressure as they booted a wasteful 1.9 in the third quarter.

Trailing by just eight points at the final change, Julian Farkas’ charges outscored the hosts in the fourth term but again, kicking 3.4 to WA’s 3.1 wasn’t enough to reel in the deficit.

Half-back Luke Candy was recognised as SA’s best performer in Game 1 while captain Dyson Sharp and his deputy Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier were also strong contributors.

Full forward Dougie Cochrane, the son of former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne midfielder Stuart Coachrane, was SA’s only multiple goal scorer with two majors.

SA will now turn its attention to its remaining fixtures on Tuesday July 4 against Victoria Country at Heritage Bank Stadium on the Gold Coast and Friday July 7 against Victoria Metro at Fankhauser Reserve, Southport.

Sunday June 25
Game 1 – AFL U16 National Championships
Mineral Resources Park, Perth

Western Australia  3.2  5.8  6.10  9.11 (65)

South Australia  1.4  3.5  4.14  7.18 (60)

BEST – SA: Luke Candy, Dyson Sharp, Lachlan Sands, Jim Kelly, Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier, Jack Cook

GOALS – SA: Dougie Cochrane 2, Lachlan Sands, Will Prescott, Louis Kellaway, Dyson Sharp, Blake Thredgold