Round 1 Torrens University SANFL U16 Match Wraps

By TOM WYMAN

West Adelaide held off a fast-finishing Eagles outfit to claim the premiership points from the reigning premiers in Round One of the Torrens University SANFL U16s at Hisense Stadium.

The Bloods controlled proceedings for much of the game, winning most of the key stats to take a 23-point advantage into half-time.

The teams went goal-for-goal in the third as the Bloods’ took a 23-point lead into the final change, but the Eagles refused to back down with Brock Jamieson nailing his fifth goal to bring the visitors to within a kick.

However, the fightback ultimately fell short as the Bloods held on to win by four-points.

Gus Downs was the leading possession-winner for the Bloods with 23, with Harper Ryan (22 disposals and two goals and Jonty Klemm (14 disposals, nine marks and four goals) dangerous in attack.

South Adelaide were pushed right to the final siren but held on to defeat Norwood by six points at Flinders University Stadium.

The first half proved a tight affair with Norwood taking a slim five-point advantage into half-time before the Panthers kicked four unanswered goals in the third stanza, including three to Jacob McGarry.

The Redlegs weren’t done yet, however, with on-ballers Jack Hayter and Jeff Rozenbilds ensuring Norwood gained the ascendency in the midfield.

Norwood booted final term goals to trim back the margin but the Panthers held on in a terrific contest.

Hudson Voigt was South’s leading ball-winner with 26 disposals, nine marks and six clearances, while Jesse Nye was excellent in the trenches, laying 11 tackles and winning four clearances.

Hayter (39 disposals and seven marks) and Rozenbilds (31 disposals and a goal) were everywhere for the ‘Legs, Will Prescott kicked three goals up forward and Darcy Speyer and Micah Kretschmer combined for 22 rebound-50s.

Last year’s Torrens University SANFL U16 Grand Finalist, Glenelg, opened its account with a 62-point win over Central District at X Convenience Oval.

The Bulldogs booted the first two goals of the contest through Dougie Cochrane and Kaleb White, but the Tigers hit back in style, kicking four goals to one to take a 15-point lead into the main break.

Glenelg continued where it left-off after half-time, showing both class and fitness to kick seven goals in the final quarter.

Bays forward Luke Candy kicked four majors, including three in the second half, with Max Atkin (three goals), captain Isaiah Clothier (two) and Ryder Window (two) the other multiple goal kickers for the Tigers.

Glenelg had an even-spread of contributors, with Timothy Alver (22 disposals and eight marks) and Harry Hosking (20 disposals) the standout ball-winners, battling well at the feet of ruckman Rex Jones (25 hit-outs).

Bulldogs midfielder Dyson Sharp flew the flag for Central, accumulating 31 disposals, 12 marks and seven clearances, while Cochrane was lively in attack booting three goals.

Sturt sent a strong statement to the rest of the competition by defeating North Adelaide by 46 points at Thebarton Oval.

The Double Blues looked in control right the way through and had an even spread of contributors, with ten players hitting the scoreboard.

Blake Thredgold was excellent in the ruck for Sturt, winning 27 hit-outs and giving his on-ballers first-look at the contest.

Blues forward Gill Wakelin booted three majors and Angus Mills two in attack, with Louis Kellaway (28 disposals and 10 clearances) and Noah Roberts-Thomson (24 disposals and a goal) prolific ball-winners.

North Adelaide’s Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier was everywhere, finishing with a league-high 40 disposals, eight clearances and a goal, with Sam Cumming (26 disposals and a goal) also among the Roosters’ best.