By Nick Creely
VIC COUNTRY
UNDER 18 CHAMPIONSHIPS
Vic Country ended its Under-18 campaign with a 1-3 record after a bitterly disappointing 46-point loss to South Australia last Wednesday afternoon.
As a result, Country narrowly avoided finishing last in division one only on percentage, with the Allies taking out the wooden spoon.
Down at Simonds Stadium, the home of the Geelong Cats in the AFL – Country had five Dandenong Stingrays youngsters pull on the jumper.
But in an indifferent start – that became the theme of a disappointing carnival – Country found itself 12-points down at quarter time after an inaccurate opening term.
From the opening bounce, the South Australians were far too slick and hard around the contest, often being exposed for pace once the ball found its way to the outside.
A dominant six-goal second quarter to SA saw Country 38-points adrift, a deficit unable to be reeled in despite some fight in the last half.
Stingrays Hunter Clark (two goals) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (16 disposals, 1 goal) finished their respective carnivals in positive fashion, with the latter a high chance to be taken with the coveted number one draft pick later this year.
Fellow Stingray trio Bailey Williams, Tom De Koning and Oscar Clavarino all finished their carnivals with commendable performances, with Clavarino, in particular, enhancing his rating as the leading key defender in this year’s draft.
Country’s rivals – Vic Metro – took out the Division One title for the second year running, but lost their first game of the carnival earlier in the day to bottom placed side Allies.
Attention will now turn back to TAC Cup football for the Stingrays’ group who are looking to win their first premiership in the competition.
VIC COUNTRY 1.3 3.5 7.7 9.11 (65)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 3.3 9.7 11.13 16.15 (111)
GOALS
VIC COUNTRY: Daniels 2, Clark 2, Dow, Davies-Uniacke, Worpel, Jiath, Williams.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Rozee 3, Smithson 3, Giro 3, Coleman-Jones, Crowden, Rowe, Davis, Ballard, Houlahan, Rankine.
BEST
VIC COUNTRY: Walsh, Worpel, Parish, Paton, Daniels, Quigley.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Crowden, Ballard, Rankine, Edwards, Giro, Rozee.
