Round 18 Torrens University SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District booked a berth in the Torrens University SANFL U18 Second Semi-Final with a hard-fought 10-point win against North Adelaide at X Convenience Oval.

The Bulldogs led at every change as they banked the premiership points to finish second on the ladder to earn the valuable double-chance in September.

Powered by key influences from William O’Brien (26 disposals, two goals) and Tom Cochrane (24 disposals, one goal) the hosts also had Charlie Nicholls and Liam Fawcett (20 disposals, nine marks, two goals) featuring prominently.

North’s Mr Consistent Jed Dignan was again his team’s top performer with 21 disposals and a goal while Angus Tully (25 disposals) and Tom Tasker (24 disposals, two goals) played hard in their last appearance for the season.

South Adelaide hung on for a thrilling four-point victory to claim the minor premiership against Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval. 

The Eagles got within a point when Harry Piggott kicked his second goal five minutes into the fourth term but were unable to find a follow-up major as the Panthers managed three more behinds.

South’s exciting forward Jack Delean, who had played the previous two games in the Hostplus SANFL League, booted four goals to be his side’s best with Benny Barrett (15 disposals) and captain Nicholas Schroder also influential.

The Eagles, who have landed in third place ahead of the major round, lauded Izaac Niemann (18 disposals, five clearances), Tate Delmenico (21 disposals, 14 marks) and Zac Schwarz (18 disposals).

Glenelg fell agonisingly short of scraping into the top-four despite earning a three-point win against Sturt at Stratarama Stadium.

The Tigers needed to win by at least two goals to bump the Double Blues out of the major round but were unable to do so after Beau Symonds gave the hosts the lead with his goal 23 minutes into the final term.

Prolific Bays midfielder Ben Camporeale tallied a team-high 28 disposals and seven clearances as he received great support from Ben Dewhirst and Tom Corcoran.

Sturt, now preparing for the First Semi-Final after finishing fourth, was well-served by strong midfielder Ned Atkinson (32 disposals, eight clearances), classy Alex Holt (24 disposals) and Luca Slade (23 disposals, six clearances)

West Adelaide finished its 2023 campaign on a high with a 24-point victory against Norwood at The Parade.

The Bloods were unable to avoid the wooden spoon but enjoyed a third win after dominating the clearances with 43 to 23.

West midfielders Bailey White (29 disposals, eight clearances, 10 tackles) and Caleb McCormick (31 disposals, eight clearances) were dominant throughout the contest while Max McKenzie hit the scoreboard with four goals.

Norwood’s Luke Scott, Kymarli Wanganeen and Darci Best ensured they would end their personal season with a positive performance.