By ZAC MILBANK
Woodville-West Torrens put a significant dent in Sturt’s U16 Torrens University Cup finals chances with a fighting nine-point win at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.
Now sitting nicely in fourth position, the Eagles have made the equation extremely difficult for the Double Blues, who must win their last two games and rely on other results falling their way.
Eagles ruck Tom Luck (19 disposals, six clearances) and midfielders Jett Hasting and Kade Herbert (30 disposals each) played major roles in the come-from-behind win after trailing at each change.
Sturt’s Cameron Kelly, Kobee Dabinett and Harley Barker were lauded by their coaches for playing their roles for the team.
A stirring third quarter performance from North Adelaide ensured it would defeat fellow finals contender Glenelg by 47 points at Prospect Oval.
Leading by 20 points at half-time, the Roosters stretched their advantage to a comfortable 53 points after slamming on 6.4 to the Bays’ 1.1 in the premiership term.
North’s Hunter Press, Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier (29 disposals, one goal) and Owen Kalic (26 disposals, one goal) were influential in earning the victory.
Glenelg’s top ball-winners Noah Grzyb (26 possessions) and Kallan Bevan (24 disposals, one goal) provided resistance, along with Harry Plews, who booted three goals.
South Adelaide made a major move toward claiming the minor premiership with an eye-catching 83-point win against West Adelaide at Flinders University Stadium.
Dominating the inside 50m count by 57-32 entries, the Panthers earned valuable percentage by slamming on 7.3 to the Bloods’ solitary behind in the fourth quarter.
South’s Cohen Shortridge (23 disposals, five goals) and Ryan Borlace (15 disposals, four goals) put West under major scoreboard pressure as Benny Barrett ran rampant with 34 disposals, six marks, nine clearances and a goal.
West’s Ayden Hodgson (21 disposals) worked hard at the stoppages for eight clearances while teammates Jonty Koehne (24 disposals) and Xavier Mayes (19 disposals) did their best to drag their team into the contest.
Central District’s dominance at the stoppages proved too much for Norwood to overcome as the Bulldogs romped to a 40-point win at The Parade.
Earning a difference-making 46-19 advantage in the clearance count, the Bulldogs led at every change while restricting the Redlegs to just one behind in the fourth quarter.
Central’s Bailey Hume used his strong frame to his benefit with 15 disposals, two goals and five clearances as teammates Dyson Sharp (39 disposals, 15 clearances) and James Noack also played major roles in setting up victory.
Norwood’s three highest disposal-winners – Luke Scott (35 possessions), Anthony Mustaca (30 possessions) and Riley Kirchhofer (24 disposals) – were also rated as their team’s best performers.
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