SANFL U16 Preliminary Final Match Wrap

By TOM WYMAN

Sturt secured its place in the SANFL U16 Grand Final with a 23-point victory over North Adelaide in the Preliminary Final at Thomas Farms Oval.

The Roosters gained the early ascendancy in the midfield but weren’t able to capitalise on their hard work, before Joshua Henry eventually kicked the first goal of the game at the 16-minute mark of the first term.

Tom Lindsay got the quick reply for Sturt, but a late goal to Oscar Fraser saw North take a 10-point lead into quarter time.

The Double Blues lifted after the break and another two goals to Lindsay and one to Kale Matthews-Hampton helped the minor premiers get on top around the ground and lead by seven points at half-time.

Sturt’s momentum continued into the second half, with the first three goals of the third term going the way of the home side, before North steadied late and kicked two goals to peg back the margin to 10 points.

Any hopes of a Roosters comeback were dashed when Sturt kicked the first four majors of the final term, and the minor premier ran out comfortable victors.

Sturt midfielders Austin Huxtable and Naite Slade both finished with 23 disposals, while Tom Lindsay’s three goals were a game-high.

Memphis Webb gathered 27 disposals and a goal and ruckman Ethan Herbert won 27 hit-outs for North, who were made to rue inaccuracy in front of goal.