Round 5 U18 Torrens University Cup Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District’s accuracy played a major role in earning its first win of the U18 Torrens University Cup season by 40 points against Sturt at Wigan Oval.

Despite having the same amount of scoring shots as the Double Blues, the Bulldogs made their shots on goal count with an accurate 16.7 (103) compared to their rivals’ 8.15 (63).

Central coaches rated the performance of Braden Owen highly as Trent Tattoli (34 disposals, six clearances) and Brodie Tuck (six goals) also had major influences in the breakthrough victory.

Sturt’s Declan Gladigau, rebounding defender Alex Holt (25 disposals) and key forward Will Torode (13 disposals, two goals) were high among the best players for the hosts.

Norwood kept in touch with the top four with a vital 18-point victory against West Adelaide at Hisense Stadium.

Now just two premiership points and five per cent behind the Bloods on the ladder, the Redlegs would have slipped two wins behind those currently sitting in the major round placings had they not secured a win.

Redlegs’ ball magnet Noah Hyde lit it up for his team again with 25 disposals and a goal while Callum Krollig (17 disposals) and Taj Rahui (19 disposals and a goal) were solid support acts for the visitors.

SA U18 Academy midfielder Kobe Ryan was everywhere for the hosts, finishing with 34 disposals, six tackles and five clearances while Tyson Coe (32 disposals, one goal) and Charlie Kitto were also noteworthy contributors for the Bloods.

North Adelaide stormed over the top of South Adelaide in the second half to keep its unbeaten run rolling with a 26-point win at Flinders University Stadium.

With scores locked at 5.5 (35) each at the main change, the Roosters showed off their class as they booted 7.6 to the Panthers’ 3.4 in the final two terms of the match.

Prolific midfielders James White (26 disposals, one goal) and Hughen Wissman (30 disposals, seven clearances) earned plenty of praise from Roosters’ officials while Crows Next Generation Academy prospect Isaac Keeler booted four goals.

Tall utility Will Verrall battled hard for the Panthers to tally 17 disposals, five clearances and two goals while Angus Bradley (23 disposals, two goals) and Nicholas Schroder (13 disposals) gave solid support.

Glenelg entrenched itself at the top of the premiership table with an eye-catching 80-point win against Woodville-West Torrens at ACH Group Stadium.

Leading comfortably at every change, the Tigers boosted their percentage to 70 whilst remaining undefeated after the opening five rounds.

Influential Bays midfielders Jake Walker (33 disposals, six clearances, one goal) and Archie Lovelock (29 disposals, five clearances, two goals) worked tirelessly while Jack McAuley also played his role nicely.

Highly-rated Eagles trio Nathan Barkla (18 disposals, one goal), Adam D’Aloia (28 disposals, eight clearances, one goal) and Mattaes Phillipou (19 disposals, seven clearance) held their heads high after a challenging morning.