Round 4 U16 Torrens University Cup Wrap

By STEVE BARRETT

A furious fourth-quarter assault saw Sturt mow down Central District by 24 points in the U16 Torrens University Cup at X Convenience Oval.

The Bulldogs, searching for their maiden win, raced to a 5.2 to 1.1 lead early in the second term and led at every break before the Double Blues roared into top gear.

Spearheaded by Finn Wakelin (three goals), Sturt piled on seven unanswered majors in 14 blistering minutes, torching Central 6.3 to 0.2 in the fourth period.

Brody Arias booted three for the Dogs, who easily won the clearances (34-17) and inside-50s (46-34), while skipper Trent Tattoli (39 disposals, 11 marks, one goal) and vice-captain Jayden Matz (16 possessions, 33 hit-outs, nine tackles) led from the front.

A rollicking start launched North Adelaide to a 22-point victory over West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium.

The Roosters ambushed the home side by pocketing the first four goals, virtually sealing the result.

Ball magnets Angus Tully (41 possessions, 12 tackles) and Kane McAuliffe (33, 10) were dynamic in the midfield while Jed Dignan and Jack Dundon kicked three majors apiece.

Lukas Zvaigzne (29 disposals) and Charlie Haysman (26) found plenty of the pill for the Bloods whose 49-37 advantage in inside-50s was neutralised repeatedly by North’s terrific defending.

South Adelaide rocketed to the top of the Under-16 Torrens University Cup after thumping four-time reigning premier Glenelg by 55 points at Flinders University Stadium.

The Panthers were shaky early and trailed by 11 points at quarter-time before absolutely obliterating the Tigers from the second term onwards, nailing 11 of the last 12 goals of the match.

Forward Jack Delean slotted four majors, backman Blake Rodrigues (25 possessions) was prolific and on-baller Tom Wheaton enjoyed a day out, racking up 34 disposals, 10 clearances, 10 inside-50s, eight marks and seven tackles – all team-highs.

Kaiden Adkin (22 touches), Lucas Camporeale (22), Ben Ridgway (21) and Beau Symonds (20) were solid for the outclassed Bays.

A brilliant second half propelled Norwood to a convincing 33-point win over Woodville-West Torrens at Coopers Stadium.

A nail-biter looked on the cards when Eagles led by one point early in the third stanza before the Redlegs seized complete control, slotting the next five majors and seven of the last eight to steamroll home.

William Rowlands and Jaidyn Mead booted three goals each, Mead’s all coming after half-time to kickstart the match-turning momentum swing.

Ruckman Oscar Pearce notched three for the Eagles while centre half-back Brody Mair had 24 touches, 11 marks (four contested) and nine rebound-50s.