SA U18 Team defeat Allies in Game 1

By ZAC MILBANK

South Australia began its 2024 Marsh AFL U18 National Championship campaign in gutsy form, producing a 12-point come-from-behind win against the Allies at Thebarton Oval.

Leading for just 10 minutes of the contest, the Croweaters began slowly as the Allies led at quarter-time and the main change as they looked set to repeat their fine performance in Game 1 of 2023.

But after drawing level at the final change, Tony Bamford’s charges found something extra in front of family and friends as midfielder Sam Cumming edged the hosts ahead during the fourth quarter.

And by the time Adelaide father-son Tyler Welsh converted his third major, SA had secured its opening victory of its carnival with three matches to play.

Bottom-age prospect Dyson Sharp shone with 25 disposals and a game-high nine disposals for SA while small forward Evan Bradley was a constant threat on goal with three majors.

Key defender Jacob Sheean was also praised for his effort for SA while Carlton father-son prospects Ben (26 disposals) and Lucas (23 disposals) Camporeale shone through the midfield.

Croweaters captain Sid Draper, who overcame a shin stress fracture, chalked up 19 disposals as he continued to gain valuable touch while key forward Noah Howes, who has impressed at Hostplus League level with South Adelaide this year, booted two goals.

After its successful opener against the Allies, SA will face Victoria Country on Sunday June 9 at IKON Park in Melbourne before returning home to host Western Australia (Sunday June 16) and Victoria Metro (Sunday June 30) at Alberton Oval.

South Australia   3.2  5.5  9.7   13.9 (87)

Allies                     5.5  7.5  9.7  11.9 (75)

BEST – SA: Dyson Sharp, Evan Bradley, Angus Clarke, Jacob Sheean, Ben Camporeale, Lucas Camporeale

GOALS – SA: Evan Bradley, Tyler Welsh 3, Jacob Newton, Noah Howes 2, Sam Cumming, Harley Barker, Charlie Nicholls

At Thebarton Oval