Villi’s U18s & U16s Match Report – Round 7

UNDER 18s

The Under 18s had a great win against North Adelaide on Tuesday night, winning a tight encounter by 3 points. There was never much between the sides – at quarter time we were level with 2 goals 1 point each, and after North kicked two of the first three goals in the second quarter to take the lead, we finished the quarter strongly with 3 goals in the last five minutes to go in at half time with a 13 point lead.

The Roosters took control at stoppages in the third quarter and kicked 4 goals whilst holding us to just 2 and we held a narrow 2 point lead at three quarter time so the stage was set for a big finish. And so it was, as North hit the front at the 11 minute mark and then both sides missed gettable goals before our Captain for the night Jack Leys kicked a great snap at the 21 minute mark to put us back in front and we were able to hold on for the win.

Zane Peucker was a very good player for us, kicking 3 goals and getting plenty of the ball helping set up other scores, Hayden Willmott was very strong in our midfield and Jack Cook continued his good form. Freddie Wilson again competed well in ruck and won some footy around the ground as well as pushing forward and kicking a valuable goal, Lachie Sands was another who was busy in our midfield and Mitch Harris repelled plenty of North Adelaide attacks with Jake Hall helping out on the wings and in defence. Khye Maddern in just his second game played his role well and was always a threat.

This week we debuted Hunter Rowe who did some nice things in our defence.

The Under 18s have a 2 weekend break now with our next game against South Adelaide on 24 May at Magain Stadium Noarlunga from 1.50pm.

Shane Reardon – U18 Coach

UNDER 16s

On Tuesday evening we played North Adelaide under lights at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval.

After an energetic and pressure-filled first 10 minutes, we kicked 3 goals in three minutes, to open up an 18-point lead with 5 minutes left in the first quarter. As has been the case on several occasions so far this season, we then gave up momentum and allowed a couple of late goals in the quarter, taking a small lead of just 5 points into the first break.

A similar pattern emerged in the second quarter as we extended our lead to 15 points with goals to Hugo Thyer and Tate Sampson in the middle of the quarter, only to allow North back into the contest late in the quarter. At half-time, we held a 2-point lead.

Unfortunately, after half time, North Adelaide gradually took control of the game.  They got on top in clearances and uncontested possessions and despite the best efforts of our defenders, who defended and rebounded strongly at times, North outscored us 7 goals to 3 goals, and eventually ran out 30-point victors.

Some of our better players included defenders Tyson Schultz and Harry Scholes, Tate Sampson (3 goals), Hugo Thyer (2 goals) and Nash Clayton in the midfield. It was also pleasing to see Kristiano McDonald and Rhegan Towers make their Under 16 debuts and get a taste of SANFL football.

With the next two weekends off, we will continue to work hard at training, focussing on achieving the right balance between attack and defence, and maintaining consistency throughout the four quarters. Our next game is on Saturday May 24 against South Adelaide at Magain Stadium.

Simon Maddern – U16 Coach