Round 15 U18 Torrens University Cup Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West Torrens forward Tyler Welsh showed plenty of heart in his team’s upset 26-point win against North Adelaide in Round 15 of the U18 Torrens University Cup at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Despite playing the first three quarters of the Eagles’ U16 Torrens University Cup game earlier in the day, Welsh – the son of former Crow Scott Welsh – filled in admirably with three goals after being a late inclusion due to a teammate’s pre-match injury.

After also booting three majors in the U16s, Welsh – who played 15 minutes per quarter in the U18s – was alongside his team’s stronger contributors in Patrick Toole, Noah Angove and Sebastian Menta.

The Roosters, who still sit at the top of the table, were well served by Max Blacker (22 disposals, two goals) upon his return from State duties, Jed Dignan (19 disposals, two goals) and Angus Tully (21 disposals).

West Adelaide overcame a goalless third quarter to keep its finals hopes alive with a spirited two-point win against Glenelg at ACH Group Stadium.

Trailing by five points after kicking just two behinds in the premiership term, the Bloods hit the front when tall forward Harry Lemmey goaled in the 11th minute of the final quarter.

From there, the visitors – led by ruck Darcy Minchella with 21 disposals, Charlie Haysman (25 dispsoals) and Jack Oates – did enough to hold on in a tense finish.

Glenelg’s Charlie Hildyard (20 disposals), Tom Corcoran (19 disposals, one goal) and Bowen Payne (27 disposals) fought hard for the hosts.

South Adelaide set up its surprise 11-point victory against Sturt with a strong opening half at Flinders University Stadium.

Out of contention for the major round, the Panthers proved they are capable of shaping the top-four by jumping the Double Blues to lead by 24 points at the main break.

The hosts built enough of a buffer to withstand the visitors’ second-half charge as Hugh Daniell, Koby Cockshell (four goals) and Talon Copley (22 disposals) flicked the switch for the Navy Blues.

Sturt hard nut Kobe McEntee, younger brother of Power-listed Jed McEntee, did his best to haul his side back into the game with 24 disposals and six tackles while teammates Chad Reschke (three goals) and Tom McCourt (15 disposals, nine tackles) lent solid support.

Norwood ran over the top of Central District to bank valuable percentage with its 74-point win at X Convenience Oval.

Despite trailing at quarter-time, the Redlegs put on the afterburners in eye-catching fashion to boot 11.5 to the Dogs’ 1.3 after the main change.

Norwood’s Beau Baldwin was a key catalyst behind the second-half surge, racking up 29 disposals and two goals while teammates Damon Pitt (17 disposals, four goals) and Jacob Jones (18 disposals, one goal) were also influential.

Central lauded Beau Thomas, Riley McDonald (21 disposals) and Will Schmidt for giving their side a chance with a bright opening half performance.