By ZAC MILBANK
An inaccurate fourth quarter cost Torrens University SA’s under-18 victory over Victoria Country as the visitors escaped with a two-point victory in the second match of the AFL National Championship at Thebarton Oval on Sunday.
After an impressive 37-point win over the Allies in Game 1, the Croweaters worked hard to establish a nine-point lead at halftime after welcoming major protocol trio Kobe Ryan, Nick Sadler and Harry Barnett. of Covid in the Game 1.
But that was soon reduced when Oliver Hollands really kicked to give Victoria Country the lead in the 10th minute of the third quarter, on the way to gaining a three-point lead in the final change.
Next, Toby McMullin of the Country threw the only goal of last season to increase the breakaway to eight points with more than 15 minutes to play.
SA continued to rise throughout the fourth quarter as it recorded seven frustrating last few, including four seven-point shooting failures.
Croweaters ruckman Phoenix Foster fired high for an excellent mark inside the 50m arc to give his team one last chance, but his back in the 24th minute ensured that SA fell short.
SA captain Adam D’Aloia led the stats sheet with 28 rebounds, eight innings, seven openings and five 50-inning innings, while Jakob Ryan was a constructive midfielder with 23 possessions and six innings.
SA midfielders Mattaes Phillipou and Billy Dowling each had 21 eliminations each, while Kobe Ryan recorded 20 eliminations and one goal on his return.
Kelsey Rypstra was lively in attack for SA with 15 rebounds and a quick goal after getting out of traffic as ruckman Barnett lifted the crowd at the end of the second season with a big mark over the defensive goal square.
The Torrens University SA under-18 team will hit the road to face Victoria Metro in Geelong (July 17) and Western Australia in Perth (July 24).
Vic C 3.3 4.6 8.8 9.8 (62)
SA 2.0 6.3 8.5 8.12 (60)
BEST – SA: Harry Barnett, Adam D’Aloia, Shaun Bennier, Max Michalanney, Jakob Ryan, Archie Lovelock
GOALS – SA: Adam D’Aloia, Kobe Ryan, Kelsey Rypstra, Jake Walker, Isaac Keeler, Max Michalanney, Nick Sadler, Jack Delean
A Thebarton Oval