Round 16 SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

West Adelaide strengthened its grip on a top four berth with a rampaging 126-point win against Norwood in Round 16 of the SANFL U18s. 

Restricting the Redlegs to just one behind in the first half, the Bloods booted 11 goals in each half to bank their ninth win of the season with just two minor round matches to play.

Bloods stars Logan McCabe (17 disposals), William Thomas (22 disposals, two goals) and Nicholas Dessmann (six goals straight) created plenty of headaches for the visitors.

Norwood captain Darcy Speyer again led from the front with 24 disposals and five clearances while receiving support from Levi Johnston (25 disposals, one goal) and Luke Scott (31 disposals).

Four late goals in succession were enough to edge Sturt across the line by six points against South Adelaide at Magain Stadium. 

Trailing by 10 points in the opening minute of the fourth term, the Double Blues suddenly led by 14 points when tall forward Griffin James kicked truly in the 18th minute.

It would be enough to hold on by a goal as Louis Kellaway (27 disposals, two goals), Jackson Moody (24 disposals) and Eli Anders captured the attention of the Sturt coaching staff.

Prominent South trio Jesse Nye (29 disposals, seven clearances), Kodah Edwards (22 disposals, three goals) and Archie Van Dyk (32 disposals) were again in the thick of the action.

Central District put the clamps on North Adelaide to record a comfortable 95-point win at Prospect Oval. 

The Bulldogs nearly kept the Roosters goalless for the match until Harry Tamblyn kicked a major in the 21st minute of the fourth quarter.

By then, the visitors had piled on 15.15 (105) as Jack Ryan (21 disposals, four goals, 10 marks), Aidan Schubert (24 disposals, three goals) and Jack Eime (23 disposals) did the damage.

On a tough day at the office, North had Bradley Rogers, Zackariah Young and Beau Bridley battle valiantly.

Woodville-West Torrens edged above Glenelg on the premiership table after cruising to a 58-point win at Stratarama Stadium. 

Now sitting in third place, the Eagles led at every change while controlling the air with 82 marks to the Tigers’ tally of 59.

The Eagles were driven by the strong performances of Jack Mumford (22 disposals, 14 marks, three goals), Joel Hill (25 disposals) and Blake Karpany (15 disposals, three goals).

Glenelg praised the efforts of tireless trio Travis Wilson (24 disposals, 11 tackles), Harvey Croker (38 disposals) and Isaiah Clothier (32 disposals).