Round 16 U18 Torrens University Cup Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

West Adelaide kept its U18 Torrens University Cup finals hopes alive with an impressive 65-point win against South Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium.

The Bloods led at every change as they gained valuable percentage while keeping the Panthers scoreless in the final term, keeping the pressure on fourth-placed Sturt.

Returning West midfielder Kobe Ryan was sensational with 37 disposals, 10 clearances, eight tackles and two goals while Jamie Kovacic (23 disposals, four goals) and Charlie Haysman (25 disposals) were other major factors in the victory.

South trio Cameron Kirkland (14 disposals, one goal), Jye Bottroff and Austin Hogg (16 disposals) were praised for their efforts.

Sturt retained its place in the top four with a commanding 84-point win against Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Making a statement from the first bounce, the Double Blues kicked 7.5 in the opening quarter while ensuring the Eagles remained scoreless.

From there, the visitors cruised to victory thanks largely to the performances of six-goal spearhead Chad Reschke, Cormac Dwyer (37 disposals, two goals) and Nick Sadler (29 disposals).

Bailey Arthur did his best to stem the tide for the Eagles with 29 disposals, 10 marks and a goal while teammates Callum Fairall (22 disposals) and Hunter Carter (12 disposals, two goals) also held their heads high.

Central District bigman Liam Fawcett was the hero with a goal on the final siren edging his team four points in front of Norwood at The Parade.

After taking a contested intercept mark at half-forward, Fawcett then received a 25m penalty after a Norwood opponent encroached on the mark.

Fawcett (18 disposals, three goals) then calmly slotted his 40m set shot with just 10 seconds to play as teammates Austin McDonald (32 disposals, 11 clearances) and Nash Haynes (21 disposals) were among those to celebrate.

Norwood, still sitting third on the ladder, was led by Riley Verrall (28 disposals, one goal) and Taj Rahui (17 disposals, one goal, seven tackles).

North Adelaide has all but clinched the U18 Torrens University Cup minor premiership after accounting for Glenelg by 35 points at Prospect Oval.

Now two wins and percentage clear of the second-placed Tigers, the Roosters are in an extremely strong position with two games to play after showing tremendous resilience by reeling in a 25-point deficit at quarter-time.

Prominent North midfielder Billy Dowling had a day to remember with 44 disposals, 17 marks, seven clearances and four goals while Isaac Keeler (22 disposals, two goals) and Henry Wicks (25 disposals, eight tackles) were also worthy of praise.

Bays onballer Hayden Brokensha refused to give in while collecting 36 possessions as teammates Harvey Lambert (19 disposals, three goals) and Zac Spilsbury (22 disposals) lent valuable support.