Round 18 U16 Torrens University Cup Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Glenelg secured the U16 Torrens University Cup minor premiership with a statement-making 143-point win against Central District at X Convenience Oval.

Keeping the Bulldogs scoreless in the opening term and to just three goals for the match, the Bays had as many as 12 goal kickers, including nine with multiple majors.

Tigers midfielder Ben Camporeale was rated best afield with 32 disposals and three goals while Kobe Gibson (22 disposals, one goal) and Kieran Scannell (25 disposals, one goal) were among a host of strong contributors for the visitors.

The Bulldogs praised Ariel Rothe, Harry Hayes and Bailey Hume for refusing to throw in the towel in a challenging last appearance for the season.

West Adelaide’s Jonty Koehne gave his team plenty of joy to finish the season by kicking the match-winning goal against Norwood at The Parade.

Trailing by two points, the Bloods hit the front with six seconds left when Koehne converted his strong overhead mark from 15m on a slight angle.

As a result, Koehne – who kicked three goals from 19 disposals – was high among his team’s best players in the four-point win, together with Angus Liebich (36 disposals, eight clearances) and Fraser Morley (16 disposals).

While it wasn’t the end to the season the Redlegs were searching for, Jay Polkinghorne (24 disposals, 10 marks one goal), Joel Flower and Levi Johnston held their heads high.

Sturt ended its 2022 campaign on a positive note with an impressive 13-point win against North Adelaide at Prospect Oval.

Finishing just outside of the finals placings in fifth spot, the Double Blues accounted for the major round-bound Roosters by leading at every change and earning a 40-32 inside 50m advantage.

Harley Barker (18 disposals, 10 marks) led the charge for the visitors, together with Alex Dodson (15 disposals, six clearances) and Kobee Dabinett (15 disposals, two goals).

North’s Tom Tasker (33 disposals, eight clearances) didn’t have trouble finding the ball while Hunter Press and Tom Stevens also drew praise from their coaching staff.

Woodville-West Torrens ensured it will take meaningful form into the major round after cruising to a 40-point win against South Adelaide at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Finishing in third place on the premiership table, the Eagles gained plenty of confidence in their victory given they led at every change against a fellow finals combatant.

Promising Eagles ruck Tom Luck was sensational, collecting a game-high 29 disposals, 10 clearances and 27 hit outs to be best afield while teammates Jack Cook (23 disposals, one goal) and Lachlan Lucas (27 disposals, 12 tackles) lent valuable support.

Now set to regroup ahead of the major round, the Panthers found positives from the performances of Mackenzie Darling, Tyler McCreanor and James Papworth.