By ZAC MILBANK
Woodville-West Torrens took a major step toward a top-three berth with its seven-point U18 Torrens University Cup win against South Adelaide at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.
Having led at every change, the Eagles now sit a game clear of the Panthers in third spot while also boasting a five percent advantage.
Eagles Brock Thomson (30 disposals, six clearances) and Matteas Phillipou (24 disposals, seven clearances and two goals) were influential while Jordan Lukac and Henry Hawker kicked three goals each.
South’s Noah Howes made the most of his chances to boot five goals from seven kicks while the Panthers’ U16 premiership captain Tom Wheaton had 21 disposals and eight clearances.
West Adelaide’s multiple scoring threats proved too much for North Adelaide as the Bloods romped to a 91-point victory at Prospect Oval.
Tall West forward Tom Scully led the way with five goals as four players – Harry Lemmey, Dylan McCormick, Liam Westdijk and Lachlan Tredwell – booted three for the Bloods.
The visitors also had Kobe Ryan and Cade Kennedy finding plenty of the ball with 28 and 27 disposals respectively.
North’s Harper Montgomery led the charge for his side with 24 disposals and seven marks.
Norwood midfielder Cooper Murley starred in his team’s 26-point win against Sturt at Unley Oval.
Murley, a member of the Torrens University SA U19 squad, racked up a match-high 31 disposals and 11 marks while also hitting the scoreboard with two goals.
Matthew Dinistriansky (26 disposals and a goal), and Benjamin Belperio (18 disposals and three goals) were other strong contributors for the Redlegs.
Sturt’s Felix Packer booted a game-high five goals while smooth-moving Nick Sadler had 19 disposals and three clearances for the Double Blues.
Glenelg’s forward pairing of Jack Harding and Corey Brougham propelled it to a comfortable 75-point win against Central District at X Convenience Oval.
Harding and Brougham each booted five goals in the percentage-boosting victory while also snaring 26 marks between them.
Jakob Ryan collected 28 disposals for the Bays, who also had Lewis Rayson and Harry Tunkin register 25 each.
Central’s Austin McDonald battled hard for 28 possessions and a goal while Ruben Carreno tallied 27 disposals for the Bulldogs.
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