Villi’s U18s & U16s Match Report – Round 9

UNDER 18s

The Under 18s went down in a thriller at Prospect Oval on Sunday, losing by just the 1 point.  The first quarter was a tight affair early with both teams scoring goals before North put on two in a row to stretch out a margin of 12 points but we were able to score a late goal which gave us a bit of momentum into quarter time.

Our second quarter was very good as we took our chances and kicked 4 goals whilst holding the Roosters to just 3 points allowing us to take a 17 point lead into half time.

North immediately hit back early in the third quarter before we steadied the ship with a goal and we both traded goals in the last part of the quarter, holding on to a 9 point advantage at three quarter time.

The last quarter was frantic with both sides scoring – we had a couple of chances early to really cement a lead but weren’t able to take them and North hit the front at the 14 minute mark before we wrested it back a few minutes later. Holding a 5 point lead, in the last 2 minutes of the game North transitioned the ball well from our forward line to their forward line for their match winning goal. The players were understandable disappointed in the result but they all gave a great effort.

Elliot Stubing, Joel Hill, Lachie Sands and Cooper Reschke were good ball winners, Jack Marks and Jack Mumford did well up forward with 3 goals each and Lachie Marshall-Bates and Hunter Rowe defended well. Seb Cavallaro played his first Under 18s game and also did well in our defence.

We now have to quickly re-group and prepare for Thursday night versus Central Districts at Maughan Thiem KIA Oval from 7.20pm.

Shane Reardon – U18 Coach

UNDER 16s

The Eagles Under 16 team played North Adelaide at Prospect Oval on Sunday.

The game didn’t go to plan in the first half, with North Adelaide’s slick ball movement and willingness to run both ways, showing our boys what it takes to play at SANFL level.  We found ourselves 52 points down at half time.

We lifted our work rate and pressure somewhat and brought a stronger contest throughout the third quarter, kicking three goals for the quarter – two to Cash Meyers and one to Noah Atkinson.  There were glimpses of effort and a higher work rate in the final quarter, but it was clear that North Adelaide were too strong in all aspects of the game and went on to win by 86pts.

Better players for the Eagles team were midfielders Jed Remphrey, Will Lawry and Jack Musci, with defenders Lachlan Macaitis and Bailey Forrest battling hard in a difficult game for defenders.

Along with several players playing their second game of Under 16s football, it was pleasing to see Brin Virgin play his first Under 16s for the club.

The Under 16s play their next game against Central Districts on Thursday June 5 at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, starting at 5:00 pm.

Simon Maddern – U16 Coach