Torrens University SA U16 Team Defeats WA

By ZAC MILBANK

A dominant display from clever forward Isaiah Dudley has propelled the Torrens University SA U16 Team to a 29-point win against Western Australia at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Dudley, one of three players returning from last year’s title-winning SA U16 side, was a significant difference maker in booting four goals and collecting a game high 27 disposals.

The Central District goal sneak was very creative, while also impacting the game at pivotal stages as the Sandgropers made a determined comeback in the final term.

The Croweaters enjoyed a six-goal second term which established a 26-point lead at the main change, which appeared to be enough after a downpour of rain made conditions extremely difficult during the third quarter.

But the rain cleared and suddenly the hosts sprang to life in booting the opening three goals of the final term, trimming the margin to just nine points at the eight-minute mark.

Dudley then stepped up to convert a mark inside 50m to break the concerning momentum which had been built by the Black Swans.

SA’s key forward Morgan Ferres, who booted the first goal of the game, then kicked the final two majors of the contest to seal the result.

And it was no surprise that Dudley had a hand in both of Ferres’ final two goals as they kick-started their campaign with a vital road win.

Aside from Dudley and Ferres – who booted eight goals between them – SA was well served by captain Jason Horne, who had 20 disposals and took a strong contested mark before converting his sole goal of the game late in the second term.

Arlo Draper and Zyton Santillo were also important contributors in the win for SA, with the Croweaters now set to prepare for their next two games of the Championships against Victoria Metro on Monday July 8 and Victoria Country on Friday July 12 at Southport and the Gabba.

SCOREBOARD

SA  3.4  9.5  10.8  13.10 (88)

WA  2.2  5.3  6.5  9.5 (59)

LEADING DISPOSALS – SA: Dudley 27, Horne 18, Draper, Zantillo 17, Tunkin, Dnistriansky 16.

GOALS – SA: Dudley, Ferres 4, Murley, Zantillo, Horne, Watson, McInnes.