Round 3 SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

A six-goal second term proved the catalyst for Sturt’s impressive 49-point win against Glenelg in Round 3 of the SANFL U18s at the Summit in Mount Barker.

Leading by two points at the first change, the Double Blues opened up a 24-point lead by half-time after booting five of the first six goals following quarter-time.

The Tigers closed to within 15 points when captain Tim Alver goaled nearing three-quarter time, only to have the hosts pull away again with a five-goal blitz to finish the contest.

Sturt’s Kale Matthews-Hampton (27 disposals), Jackson Moody (20 disposals) and Jett Dahlitz (26 disposals) were at the forefront of the Blues’ success while Glenelg hailed the performances of talls Reed Francis Nia-Nia and Harry Franz.

Woodville-West Torrens breathed a sigh of relief when it held on for a thrilling three-point win against Central District at X Convenience Oval.

Leading at every change and by as much as 29 points a minute into the final term, the Eagles managed to withstand a Bulldogs blitz of five of the final six majors in the fourth quarter.

Eagles Dougal Ashby and Mitch Harris performed their roles strongly while Hayden Willmott collected 20 disposals and a goal.

Central’s dramatic late charge was well led by Cameron Nairn (24 disposals, one goal), Matt LeRay (28 disposals, eight clearances) and Jett Poulish (15 disposals).

North Adelaide put on a show for its regional fans with a hard-fought 21-point victory against Norwood at Port Pirie’s Memorial Oval.

Playing in the heart of the Roosters’ country zone, the hosts overcame inaccuracy in front of goal (11.16) to lead at every change.

Prolific North midfielder Sam Cumming was again a heavy influence with 21 disposals and two goals while Charlie Dickeson (28 disposals, one goal) and Hamish Collins were also strong performers.

Norwood, which boasts the neighbouring country zone of the Eyre Peninsula, was well-served by Harvey Pearce, Darcy Speyer (24 disposals, one goal) and Jonty Thompson.

South Adelaide stormed over the top of West Adelaide to claim an eye-catching 35-point win at Magain Stadium.

Clinging on to a four-point advantage at the final change, the Panthers’ superior workrate was on display during the fourth quarter as they piled on 6.2 to the Bloods’ 1.1.

Consistent South captain Jesse Nye collected 24 disposals and a goal while Cain Florance (23 disposals, two goals) and Cameron Woods (19 disposals, 11 marks) also made their presence felt.

West’s Jaylen Sochacki (22 disposals), Gus Downs (17 disposals) and Logan McCabe (19 disposals) were rated highly by the Bloods’ coaching staff.