Round 3 U18 Torrens University Cup Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

North Adelaide burst out of the blocks to overwhelm a slow-starting South Adelaide by 21-points in Round 3 of the U18 Torrens University Cup at Flinders University Stadium.

Booting an imposing 6.4 while keeping the Panthers scoreless in the opening quarter, the Roosters opened up a commanding 41-point lead by half-time.

North’s Harper Montgomery shone with 27 disposals, eight marks and three goals while prolific midfielder Billy Dowling (32 disposals) and athletic key forward Isaac Keeler (20 disposals) were also positive influences for the visitors.

Unheralded South pair Blake Rodrigues and Nicholas Schroder were rated as their team’s best performers while Angus Bradley had another strong game with 26 disposals, three goals and nine tackles.

A seven-goal haul from West Adelaide’s Tom Scully ensured his team would comfortably account for Central District by 42 points at Hisense Stadium. 

After booting two goals in the first term, the Bloods’ key forward tore the game open in the third quarter with three majors before his seventh opened up a 58-point advantage early in the last term.

Scully’s efficiency was outstanding considering he didn’t miss and only had nine kicks for the match while Jameson Whitbourne (19 disposals) and Kobe Ryan were other meaningful contributors for the hosts.

Central’s Will McCabe, the son of premiership Bulldog Luke McCabe, kicked two goals to be his team’s best player while Nash Haynes and Jayden Matz could also hold their heads high.

Norwood banked its first premiership points of the U18 Torrens University Cup campaign with a solid 51-point victory against Woodville-West Torrens at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Leading by just three points at quarter-time, the Redlegs slowly increased their advantage throughout the match before piling on 4.2 to the Eagles’ one behind in the last term.

Norwood’s Beau Baldwin stood out for the visitors with his 22 disposals, six marks and three goals while Isaiah Wilksch (20 disposals) and Riley Verrall (30 disposals, seven marks) were praised for their roles.

Eagle Liam Modystach earned the highest accolade from his coaches while Callum Fairall (29 disposals) and Blake Hansen (41 disposals) were desperate to prevent their side from a third successive loss.

Glenelg reaffirmed itself as the U18 Torrens University Cup’s early pacesetter with a commanding 79-point triumph against Sturt at ACH Group Stadium.

Now sitting at the top of the table with a healthy percentage of 72.2, the Bays led at every change while establishing match-winning advantages in inside 50s (59 to 34), disposals (407 to 223) and marks (95 to 55).

Key midfield drivers Charlie Hildyard (32 disposals, 11 marks and 2 goals), Jake Walker (29 disposals) and Archie Lovelock (26 disposals and a goal) earned the plaudits of Tiger coaches while Jayden Davis booted five goals and Ashton Moir four.

Tenacious Sturt rover Kobe McEntee, brother of Power forward Jed McEntee, was adjudged his side’s best performer with 19 disposals and six tackles while Ted Newman and Brodie Maloney performed their team roles admirably.