SANFL U16 Semi-Final Match Wraps

By TOM WYMAN

South Adelaide upset Sturt by 18 points in the SANFL U16 Second Semi-Final at Thomas Farms Oval, booking a place in the Grand Final on Sunday September 15.

Minor premier Sturt entered the clash having defeated the Panthers twice in three meetings during the year, but the Panthers got off to a dream start when Kodah Edwards kicked the opening goal within a minute.

Sturt forward Ryan Davies got the home side on the board five minutes later, but a late goal to Callan Hart ensured South went into the first break with a narrow lead.

The Panthers laid the foundations for the win with a terrific second quarter burst which yielded five goals to Sturt’s one, including two in as many minutes for Harrison Davey.

Facing a 35-point deficit at half-time, Sturt was able to slow the Panthers’ momentum in the third quarter by kicking four unanswered majors to trail by just 10 points at the last change.

However, the Panthers responded with another goal within the first minute of the term, this time to forward Zemes Pilot, before midfielder Cain Florance put the game to bed by kicking his second.

South on-baller Archie Van Dyk had a significant influence on the contest, finishing with 40 disposals, eight tackles and 11 clearances in a best-on-ground display.

Jack Davies was the leading ball-winner for Sturt with 20 disposals, while ruckman Jonah Lagana fought hard to win 16 hit-outs and 11 disposals.

The Double Blues will now tackle North Adelaide in next Saturday’s Preliminary Final.

Fast-starting North Adelaide proved too good for Central District, defeating the Bulldogs by 63 points in the SANFL U16 Elimination Final at Stratarama Stadium.

North managed two wins against the Bulldogs in the minor round, however, Central entered the game having won the most recent clash in Round 15 by two points.

It was all North early on as Finn Blieschke kicked the opening goal in the first two minutes, Lewis Granger added two to the tally and Joshua Henry and Harvey Crane also hit the scoreboard to give the Roosters a 32-point lead at quarter time.

The red and white momentum continued into the second quarter with Blieschke and Henry adding to their respective tallies and the dangerous Memphis Webb opening his account.

North had eight goals on the board before Central’s Jordan Ruchs broke through for the Bulldogs first in the shadows of half-time.

Charlie Moss kicked quick back-to-back goals to give Central a glimmer of hope early in the second term, but two more to Memphis Webb saw North lead by 47 points at three-quarter time.

North’s accuracy in front of goal, juxtaposed by Central’s inefficiency, saw the Roosters run out comfortable winners at the full-time siren.

North had six multiple goal kickers, Henry leading the way with four, while Webb added 25 disposals and six marks to his three goals.

Jake Eime was the Bulldogs’ best with 22 disposals and a goal, while ruckman Callan Semmler toiled hard in the ruck and won 30 hit-outs.

North will now tackle minor premier Sturt in next Saturday’s Preliminary Final while the Bulldogs’ season has come to a close.