Round 7 SANFL U16 Match Wraps

By TOM WYMAN

Central District overcame a slow start to defeat West Adelaide by 20 points in Round 7 of the SANFL U16s at X Convenience Oval.

The Bloods flew out of the blocks to lead by 23 points at quarter time, however the Bulldogs snapped into gear in the second term then ran away with the game late in the piece.

Bulldogs ruckman Hugo Semmler was dominant all over the ground, winning 36 hit-outs to go with 22 disposals, nine clearances and two goals.

The excellent form of West’s Laurence Andriani continued with the midfielder gathering a game-high 35 disposals, six marks and a goal.

Glenelg returned to the winners list after defeating Norwood by 25 points at Stratarama Stadium.

The visiting Redlegs had the first five scoring shots of the game, but kicked just one goal before the Tigers rallied by nailing four majors in a row.

Norwood fought hard to remain within touching distance, however a strong final term saw the Bays take the points.

Ever-prolific Bays midfielder Tim Cain finished with 31 disposals and a goal, while teammate Josh Jarrad booted four goals.

A strong second-half helped North Adelaide defeat Woodville-West Torrens by 30 points at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval to record their first win of the season.

The Eagles kicked the first three goals of the game and took slim leads into the quarter-time and half-time breaks, before North booted seven of the last 10 majors to run over the top.

Roosters forward Samuel Pedlar was instrumental in the victory, booting four goals from 14 disposals, while teammate Harry Tamblyn accumulated a game-high 27 possessions and laid seven tackles.

Eagles tall Tate Sampson proved a handful both up forward and in the ruck, finishing with 14 hitouts, eight marks and three goals.

Sturt made it three wins on the trot courtesy of a 24-point victory over South Adelaide at Karen Rolton Oval.

In what was an evenly-matched battle between two of the competition’s strongest sides, the Double Blues had the upper hand in the first half and took a 19-point lead into the main break.

The Panthers hit back and kicked the first three goals of the second half to lead for the first time, however, it was short-lived as Sturt responded with four in a row to wrestle back momentum and secure an important victory.

Sturt’s Taj Garrett played an important role by gathering 25 disposals, 11 marks and a goal, while Jayce Potter accumulated a game-high 31 possessions and eight marks for South.