U16 Torrens University Cup Prelim Final Match Wrap

By ZAC MILBANK

Woodville-West stormed into the 2022 U16 Torrens University Cup Grand Final with a spirited seven-point win against South Adelaide in the Preliminary Final at Thebarton Oval.

The well-balanced Eagles edged ahead by four points at quarter-time and managed to lead at every change despite the Panthers continuing to threaten throughout the contest.

Leading by a game-high 20 points 10 minutes into the final term, the Eagles appeared headed for comfortable victory before star South midfielder Phoenix Hargrave intervened.

Hargrave kicked two of his five goals in succession to trim the deficit to just seven points with more than six minutes to play.

But ultimately, South was unable to reel the Eagles in as Darren Hams’ charges not only led the way on the scoreboard but in key statistic categories such as inside 50s (53-41), clearances (32-27) and disposals (296-259).

Emerging Eagles ruck Tom Luck was named his team’s best performer after getting things rolling in the centre square with 26 hit outs and five clearances to go with 23 disposals and four marks.

Teammates Brodie Harris and Kade Herbert were also praised for their roles in the victory while potential Port Adelaide father-son prospect Rome Burgoyne, son of Peter, earned a team-high 26 disposals, seven marks and four clearances.

Hargrave was not surprisingly ranked as the Panthers’ most influential performer, collecting 24 disposals, four marks, eight tackles and five clearances to go with a game-high five goals.

South teammates Sid Draper (23 disposals, six marks, one goal) and Brayden Nicholls also did their best to prevent a second finals loss in succession.

The Eagles will now prepare for the U16 Torrens University Cup Grand Final against minor premier Glenelg at Adelaide Oval on Friday September 16 from 4.50pm.