Sturt cruise past Glenelg, two games behind SANFL top spot

STURT have done their chances of securing a top two spot no harm after a convincing 49-point win against Glenelg on Saturday at Peter Motley Oval.

Glenelg’s Lachlan Earl tackles Sturt’s James Battersby. Picture Sarah Reed

STURT have done their chances of securing a top two spot no harm after a convincing 49-point win against Glenelg on Saturday at Peter Motley Oval.

The Double Blues’ 14.17 (101) to 7.10 (52) win puts them two games behind the top placed Eagles, after their shock loss to South Adelaide this week.

Manic pressure from the Double Blues had Glenelg on the back foot early, with the Tigers struggling to execute by foot.

Matthew Snook (30 disposals, one goal) was a shining light for his side slotting a much needed goal late in the first.

Sturt’s Jack Stephens marks in front of Glenelg’s Dom Barry. Picture: SARAH REED

Both sides lifted in the second term, hitting contests with aggression and pace.

Despite improving its work rate, Glenelg were no match for the home team who were able to rebound from its defensive half with ease.

Four unanswered goals for Sturt heading into the major break left them with a crucial lead.

Jackson Edwards (25 disposals, one goal), son of Adelaide Crows legend Tyson, was able to hit the scoreboard in the third term and kick his first SANFL goal.

Sturt squandered its chances on goal in the second half, kicking only seven majors from 15 shots.

Captain Zane Kirkwood (26 disposals, five marks) led from the front, while Patrick Wilson (28 disposals, 11 marks, one goal) played a crucial role.

Sturt coach Marty Mattner was pleased with the result.

“It is probably our most complete four quarter effort over the season so I am really pleased with that,” Mattner said.

“We had some changes to our set ups and structures going into the game and the way we wanted to play, but to execute like that was really good.”

Glenelg coach Matthew Lokan was frustrated with the result.

“We needed to win today to lock away a finals spot and the boys were unable to get the job done,” Lokan said.

“We came up against a really well drilled team that were able to use the footy really well.”

Sturt’s James Battersby under pressure. Picture: SARAH REED

SCOREBOARD

Sturt 3.1, 7.6, 10.12, 14.17 (101)

Glenelg 2.4, 3.5, 5.6, 7.10 (52)

GOALS - Sturt: Beard 3, Hansen 2, Sutcliffe 2, Dodd 2, M. Evans 2,Osborn 1, Battersby 1, Wilson 1. Glenelg: Scott 2, Snook 1, Nicholson 1, Barry 1, McBean 1, Edwards 1,

BEST - Sturt: Kirkwood, Wilson, Battersby, F. Evans, Beard, Sutcliffe. Glenelg: Snook, Edwards, Barry, Scharenberg

CROWD: 2092 at Peter Motley Oval.

UMPIRES: D. Sobieraj, C. Bowen, M. Sboro