Round 9 Torrens University SANFL U18 Match Wraps

By ZAC MILBANK

An efficient Norwood overcame a slow start to secure an eight-point win in Round 9 of the Torrens University SANFL U18s against West Adelaide at The Parade.

Trailing at quarter-time before tying up the scores at the final change, the Redlegs kicked 2.2 in the final term to the Bloods’ wasteful six behinds which proved pivotal in the result.

Norwood’s Brayden Rachwal kicked the sealer from long range with less than five minutes to play as his team earned the premiership points despite having nine fewer inside 50m entries.

Redlegs Jaidyn Mead (27 disposals), Latrelle Sumner-Pickett (15 disposals, two goals) and Jackson Savage (22 disposals, 11 marks) had a significant influence in the victory.

West lauded Riley Hill (two goals), Harley Campbell (21 disposals) and Charlie Haysman (26 disposals, one goal) for their efforts.

South Adelaide withstood a late charge from Sturt to hold on for a 22-point victory at Wigan Oval.

Leading at every change, the Panthers were set to cruise to the finish line when Sebastian Oliver goaled early in the fourth term.

But a goal to Sturt’s Taran Sanderson brought the deficit back to just 10 points with more than half the quarter to play.

Any hope for the hosts was snuffed out by South’s Noah Howes, who put the game out of reach with consecutive majors as he joined teammates Phoenix Hargrave (24 disposals, two goals) and captain Nicholas Schroder on the best players list.

Sturt’s Declan Gladigau worked hard to get his side back into the game with 26 disposals and a goal while Fraser Greaves and Eddie Quartermaine also battled hard.

A goalless second quarter wasn’t enough to prevent Woodville-West Torrens from grinding out an 11-point win against North Adelaide at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

Faced with a 15-point deficit at half-time after managing just four behinds in the second stanza, the Eagles were able to dig themselves out of trouble by booting 7.7 to 3.5 in the second half.

Consistent Eagles midfielders Kade Herbert (27 disposals, five clearances), Pat Toole (15 disposals, three goals) and Archer Charles (20 disposals, two goals) were largely responsible for constructing the victory.

North’s Jed Dignan was the leading possession-winner on the field with 31 and two goals while Henry Turner (24 disposals) and Thomas Stevens (20 disposals) lent valuable support.

Central District has emerged as the competition’s pacesetter after a convincing 45-point win against reigning premier Glenelg at Stratarama Stadium.

Edging ahead of the Eagles on percentage to be placed at the top of the premiership table, the Bulldogs kept the Tigers to just one behind in the second term while also winning the key stat categories of inside 50s, tackles and clearances.

Central’s William O’Brien put on a monster performance in racking up 27 disposals, 10 marks and three goals while teammates Jayden Matz and Lachie Giles had a positive influence.

Michael Smith held his head high with 22 touches for the Bays as he received praise from the coaching staff, together with Seth May and Harry Plews.