Rostrevor, Prince Alfred, Payneham and St Peter’s all defeated in Adelaide Footy League round of upsets
The competition pacesetters were all defeated in a round of upsets in the Adelaide Footy League as just one win now separates eight teams in the top tier. Match reports from every division.
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The incredibly even Adelaide Footy League division one competition was on full display on Saturday as the four top sides were all beaten by lower opponents.
Just one win now separates Prince Alfred Old Collegians on top of the ladder and eighth-placed Tea Tree Gully.
The tightness of the division was signalled by coaches ahead of the season in Messenger Community News’ preview and has come to fruition after unpredictable results in the opening rounds.
Plus there is a big clash ahead in the second tier, a statement made in division three more in match reports from across the league.
DIVISION ONE
Adelaide University’s best work was on show when it upset top side Prince Alfred Old Collegians at home in their division one Adelaide Footy League match last Saturday.
In a dour contest Uni took the points 9.6 (60) to 7.6 (48) after leading 3.2 to 2.2 at quarter time and 7.3 to 2.2 at the main break.
But the Old Reds lifted in the third to see the Blacks lead 7.4 to 6.5 at the last change.
Uni coach Craig Smith was impressed with his side’s effort, especially early.
“Our first half was the best we have played all year,’’ Smith said.
“But the third quarter was disappointing. Our best is very good but there is still too much of a gap between our best and worst.’’
Captain Damian Cunningham, Ben Adams and Nicholas Cottrell were among the stars for Uni.
The Old Reds held onto top spot on the ladder, despite the loss. Will Dalwood, Thomas Brinsley and the recently recruited Campbell Wildman were among the best.
Second-placed Payneham Norwood Union was also surprised on its trip to Goodwood Oval as the Saints won 14.11 (95) to 8.11 (59).
Goodwood hauled its season back on track with the gritty victory after trailing 7.8 to 4.6 at the long break but hitting back for a 10.9 to 8.9 buffer at the last change.
Saints coach Adam Jeffries said his side’s ability to stay calm when it was misfiring early, was a bonus.
“It was a really good result after something of an indifferent season so far,” Jeffries said.
“We didn’t change anything at half-time as we felt we were going okay.
“The third quarter was good with the wind. We think we are building and not far away.’’
Best for the Saints were Ben Holzbauer, Tom Carter and Scott Oakley (four goals).
Brighton cast aside wayward kicking for goal to pull off one of its best victories in any level of its Adelaide Footy League journey, according to coach Joel Tucker.
Facing an imposing top-tier contest against high-flying Rostrevor Old Collegians, the Bombers took the contest 11.21 (87) to 11.12 (78) at home after trailing at each change.
Brighton coach Joel Tucker was thrilled with the effort and energy his players produced.
“Our pressure on the ball carrier was great,” Tucker said.
“I thought we might have blown it at half-time with all the chances we had.
“We were reasonably confident with the way we were playing but it was just great. That was our best game in the past couple of years and really represents what we are all about.’’
Tea Tree Gully trailed at each change but was in front when it mattered in its division one Adelaide Footy League match against Henley at Henley Memorial Oval last Saturday.
The eighth-placed Wolves edged out the Sharks, 13.9 (97) to 13.7 (85) after trailing 4.2 to 3.0, 9.2 to 7.3 and 11.5 to 10.6 at the breaks.
Leading by eight points late in the last quarter TTG dug deep to hang on.
An outstanding game from captain Trent Heffernan proved one of the key factors in Port District’s home victory against St Peter’s Old Collegians.
Hosting White Ribbon Day which raises awareness of inclusion, respectful relationships and violence against women, the Magpies saluted 13.10 (88) to 11.5 (71).
Port led 3.2 to 3.1 at quarter time but attacked strongly in the second quarter to take a lead of 8.6 to 4.2 into the main break.
In front 10.8 to 6.3 heading into the last quarter the Magpies staved off a solid challenge from SPOC to move to sixth on the ladder with three wins.
Port coach Simon Maddern said his side dug deep under pressure.
“We were in control for most of the game but to SPOC’s credit they kicked five goals in the last quarter to give us a bit of a scare,” Maddern said.
“Our captain Trent Heffernan was outstanding with four goals and Luke McInerney intercepted many of the SPOC forward entries.
“It was great to get wins in all grades on our White Ribbon Day.’’
Mitchell Gaffney also played a top game, while Gavin Shephard and James Batty kicked three goals each. The Magpies are away to Tea Tree Gully on Saturday.
DIVISION TWO
Division two heavyweights Salisbury North and Unley Mercedes will provide a taste of what is to come in September when the two clash this Saturday.
The undefeated Jets have announced themselves as the pacesetters while the 5-1 Hawks continue to build on their impressive start to the season.
Unley withstood a serious challenge from Athelstone at Kingswood Oval last Saturday to prevail 19.5 (119) to 14.9 (93).
The Raggies looked poised to pull off a brilliant victory as they led at quarter and half-time before the Jets drew level at the last change. Unley then kicked 7.4 to the visitors’ 3.2 to run out 26-point victors.
Luke McEntee, Anthony Skara and Blake Harris were the standouts for the Jets.
Luke Rander kicked four goals for the Raggies.
It will be a long road trip out to Salisbury North Oval this Saturday for Unley, particularly with the Hawks in good touch.
Salisbury North made it five wins from six matches when it accounted for Gaza at Klemzig Oval, 13.17 (95) to 9.8 (62).
Hawks coach Joe Hay said Gaza put plenty of pressure on his players but he was pleased with his side’s response.
“We got off to a flyer but it was an arm wrestle after quarter time,” Hay said.
“We really respect them and have always found them hard to beat.
“We were really relieved to get there. We are getting ourselves ready for some big games to come and this week against the Jets will be a big test.’’
Best for the Hawks against Gaza were Paul Dreimann, Dion Lawlor and Ricky Thomas, while Jake Wagner and Nick Pape kicked three goals each.
Promoted side Seaton Ramblers proved it will not be relegation fodder in the second tier with a 18.9 (117) to 15.16 (106) triumph at home against PHOS Camden.
The Rams secured their fourth victory of the season with better conversion, led by four goals from best on ground Luke Rochester.
The Phantoms slipped to seventh with the loss.
Modbury won its first game of the division two season when it proved too solid away for Scotch Old Collegians.
Leading at each change the Hawks triumphed 14.14 (98) to 11.8 (74) with Tim Davey, Jake Buckerfield and Corey Smith among the best.
Sacred Heart Old Collegians continued on its merry way in second spot by easily taking care of Broadview at home.
Led by ruckman Lachy Button, SHOC finished on top 16.21 (117) to 9.8 (62).
Michael Teal, Mitchell Parr, Tristan Carcuro (seven goals) and Cameron Vinall (three goals) all featured strongly.
DIVISION THREE
Old Ignatians dealt division three upstarts Glenunga a significant wake up call with a convincing 40-point defeat of the previously undefeated Rams.
Iggies blew the match open at Karen Rolton Oval with a 6.4 to 2.2 second quarter and never looked back to move to 5-1 and ahead of Glenunga on the ladder.
The Rams, who have won back-to-back flags the past two seasons to skyrocket up the tiers, had appeared to be cruising after five straight wins to begin the season.
But the strength of Old Ignatians was too much to handle as Edward Shaw, Bradley Jones and Samuel Janetzki (six goals) went on the attack.
Golden Grove cannot catch a break as it went down to division three rival Flinders Park in another tight defeat on Saturday.
The luckless Kookaburras have now lost three matches by less than 10 points – plus a draw in round six – to go along with two wins.
Golden Grove trailed Flinders Park by 31 points at Harpers Field going into the fourth quarter but stormed back to give the Reds a scare.
The visitors were able to hold on to win 13.15 (93) to 12.15 (87).
Cameron Miller booted six goals and Daniel Blythe starred to lead the way for the Reds.
OTHER RESULTS
■ Westminster OS 15.18 (108) d Morphettville Park 11.13 (79) at Kellett Reserve
■ North Haven 23.11 (149) d Gepps Cross 10.8 (68) at Largs North Reserve
■ Portland 15.11 (101) d Plympton 13.12 (90) at Port Reserve
DIVISION FOUR
CBC Old Collegians threat on the division four competition finally arrived as it made a statement by thumping Mitcham 20.6 (126) to 7.9 (51) on Saturday.
The Dolphins were division five premiers last year and won promotion with many expecting them to succeed in the tier above.
They have now won four on the trot and sit second on the ladder after the 75-point demolition of the Hawks at the East Parklands.
Mitcham trailed by just one point at quarter time but CBCOC turned the screws from there as Matthew Raymond (four goals), Jack Owens and Lachlan Matthias took over.
The Dolphins and Hawks are both 4-2 on the season.
Top side SMOSH West Lakes continued on its merry way, overcoming Pembroke Old Scholars 13.14 (92) to 11.10 (76) at Haslam Oval.
The visitors were able to hold on edge over the Kings all day to improve to a 5-1 record.
Cohen Mattner – last week’s hero for the Lions with a goal after the siren – continued his starring role by booting five in a best on ground display.
Nicholas Worrall was solid for Pembroke.
Woodville South continues to gather momentum and had its best win since promotion with a 19.16 (130) to 9.12 (66) victory over Pooraka at home.
Anton Vassallo booted six goals and Shaun Smith added four as the Cats piled on 7.3 to 1.4 in the opening term and never looked back.
Anthony Kube played well for Pooraka. The Bulls sit ninth on the ladder with a 1-5 record while Woodville South is fourth on 3-3.
OTHER RESULTS
■ Kilburn 14.14 (98) d Colonel Light Gardens 10.6 (66) at Blair Athol Reserve
■ Edwardstown 16.13 (109) d Walkerville 10.17 (77) at Walkerville Recreation Ground
DIVISION FIVE
Salisbury got its season back on track by pulling off a terrific upset when it prevailed against Pulteney at Morgan Oval, 13.5 (83) to 10.12 (72).
The straight-kicking Magpies snared their second victory of the season and handed the once unbeaten Navy Blues their second successive loss.
Salisbury trailed at quarter time and the main break but fought back to hit the front in the third term before holding Pulteney off in a 2.2 to 3.4 fourth quarter.
The Magpies will fancy their chances for back-to-back wins when it takes on bottom side Blackfriars Old Scholars at home this Saturday.
Kenilworth did not show any sympathy to the hapless Hounds in their clash at St Dominic’s Oval last Saturday.
The unbeaten Kookaburras cruised home 28.13 (181) to 6.6 (42) against Blackfriars after leading 6.5 to 2.1, 13.8 to 2.1 and 22.9 to 4.3 at the breaks.
Among the stars for Kenilworth were Nathan Ryles (five goals), Myles Krakouer, Nick Chesser and Andrew Liverton (seven goals).
Lockleys is gathering momentum and grabbed its third-straight win a convincing 21.16 (142) to 11.12 (78) defeat of Trinity Old Scholars at home.
The Demons led by four points at quarter time before proceeding to blow the visitors out of the water with a 7.7 to 0.2 second term.
Hugh Johnson-Schroeder and Alex Paton formed a potent combination up forward to boot seven and six goals respectively.
OTHER RESULTS
■ Eastern Park 14.11 (95) d Rosewater 10.11 (71) at Eric Sutton Oval
■ Hope Valley 16.23 (119) d Smithfield 13.5 (83) at Hope Valley Oval
DIVISION SIX
West Croydon is now the only unbeaten side in the sixth tier after it heaped more pain on struggling Marion with a 99-point thumping at Sturt Oval.
It was an ugly scene from the start for the hosts as the Hawks banged on 11.6 to 0.0 in the first quarter.
The Rams recovered from there to concede a comparably better 7.6 to 2.9 for the rest of the match for an 18.12 (120) to 2.9 (21) result.
The Hawks are 6-0 and in command of the division with Elizabeth dropping its first match of the season to Para Hills.
It was a tight tussle at Argana Park as the Big Reds edged past the Eagles to win 13.5 (83) to 10.19 (79).
Para Hills started slow but has hit its straps with fourth straight victories in recent weeks to loom as a serious contender alongside West Croydon, Elizabeth and third side Hectorville.
OTHER RESULTS
■ Brahma Lodge 13.16 (94) d Fitzroy 6.8 (44) at Fitzroy Sports Club
■ Hectorville 17.6 (108) d Ingle Farm 14.8 (92) at Rowe Park
DIVISION SEVEN
After going almost two years without a win, Greenacres is suddenly in contention for a spot in the division five finals after securing its third-straight victory on Saturday.
The Dragons improved to 3-3 and sixth on the ladder with a 17.15 (117) to 11.6 (72) defeat of battlers Flinders University.
Andrew Clark, Joshua Hudson and Ricky Wiseman (four goals) were best for Greenacres.
St Paul’s Old Scholars are yet to lose this season and dispatched Mitchell Park with ease on Saturday in an 81-point defeat at Mitchell Park Oval.
OTHER RESULTS
■ Mawson Lakes 11.10 (76) d Adelaide Lutheran 8.7 (55) at Mawson Lakes Oval
■ Houghton Districts 13.13 (91) d Central United 12.14 (86) at Houghton Memorial Oval
WOMEN’S DIVISION ONE
■ SMOSH West Lakes 11.10 (76) d Angle Vale 1.2 (8) at Angle Vale Sports & Community Centre
■ Mount Lofty 4.3 (27) d Adelaide University 3.8 (26) at Heathfield Oval
■ Morphettville Park 4.5 (29) d Christies Beach 1.1 (7) at Bice Oval
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