Round 11 U18 Torrens University Cup Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

A blistering second-term blitz ensured North Adelaide would remain at the top of the U18 Torrens University Cup table with a 74-point win against a fast-starting South Adelaide at Prospect Oval.

Managing just one goal in the first term, the Roosters went from trailing by 19 points at the opening change to leading by 24 at half-time on the back of booting 7.2 to the Panthers’ 0.1.

James White (28 disposals, nine clearances), Oliver Dignan (18 disposals, four goals) and Hugh Wissman (23 disposals, two goals) were instrumental in the transformation for the hosts.

South’s Angus Bradley was a strong performer with 30 possessions while Shade Evans loomed large early in the game with his two goals in the first quarter.

Woodville-West Torrens dragged itself out of the foot of the ladder with a comfortable 53-point win against Central District at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Boasting an advantage at each break, the Eagles banked their third victory of the season on the back of a strong tackle count of 75 despite having more of the ball.

Eagle Patrick Weckert (17 disposals, two goals) earned high praise from his coaches while Oscar Pearce and Jedd Thomson (27 disposals) also had an influence for the hosts.

Ultra-consistent Bulldog Austin McDonald was again leading the way for his side with a match-high 35 disposals, together with nine clearances and seven tackles while Nash Haynes had 21 disposals.

Glenelg’s Jayden Davis was the hero with a goal on the siren sealing a dramatic three-point win against a brave Sturt at Wigan Oval.

The Bays led all match until Sturt’s Luca Slade put the hosts in front by three points with less than 90 seconds on the clock.

But a centre square clearance for the Tigers resulted in a free kick for Davis, who slotted his 35m set shot from directly in front as the final siren sounded.

Hayden Brokensha (23 disposals) was selected as the Bays best player while Slade, the son of Central premiership rover Matthew Slade, was among the Blues’ best with 21 disposals and two goals.

Norwood tipped West Adelaide out of the top four with an impressive 56-point win at The Parade.

Leading at every change, the Redlegs are now one win ahead of the Bloods after making the most of a commanding 55-29 inside 50m count.

William Rowlands (four goals) and Beau Baldwin (three goals) hit the scoreboard for the hosts as Josh Bradford found plenty of the ball with 25 disposals.

West’s Tyson Coe (21 disposals) and Charlie Haysman (20 disposals) fought hard as key forward Tom Scully kicked two goals from his eight marks.