Hosts prove to be a test for AFL Central West

After losing the opening two matches of the day on home soil, the Northern Riverina Football Netball League used their Under-13s and Under-17s teams to showcase their talent. The red and black were extremely impressive as they accounted for AFL Central West convincingly.

Under 13s – NRFNL 8.7.55 def AFL CW 3.1.19

 

The Under-13s came up against a tough, fast NRFNL side and found themselves on the back foot early. Unable to contain their opponent’s midfielders, NRFNL controlled the match and ran out convincing 38 point winners. Although a disappointing result, the team was made up of many younger kids who will be better having now experienced representative football.

Goal Scorers:

NRFNL – Caleb Milsom 3, Dylan Bendall 1, Levi Milsom 1, Noah Bryant 1, Kayden Dauth 1, Hugh Williams 1
AFL CW – Blake Sandry 1, Declan McGregor 1, Will Sloan 1

AFL CW Best Players:

Blake Sandry (BOG), Will Sloan, Harvey Sheppard, Mason Bright, Declan McGregor, Harrison Coleman

What they said:

Coach Steve Smith:

“It was a good effort from the boys. Considering that we had six Under-12s and five Under-14s team to choose from it was always going to be hard for the boys as they didn’t know each other. As the game wore on the boys became a bit more familiar with each other and played better as a team.”

“After a quiet 1st half Declan McGregor was best on ground for the 2nd. Will Sloan rucked 90% of the match and was sensational, he didn’t stop trying. Blake was awarded best on ground. He was my go to man. Started at CHF, threw him on the ball and also ruck. Had a great game.”

In defence, Harrison Coleman was solid, rarely losing a contest. Harvey Shepard has gone up another level this year and his running on the wing was fantastic. Daniel Bakini saw plenty of ball and it’s hard to believe it’s only his 4th game of AFL. Mason Bright is hard at the ball and a coach’s delight as he is tough and doesn’t stop.”

“Unfortunately our skill errors where poor and we were never really in the game. Hopefully we can pick a strong side and put up a good showing in Nowra.”

 

Under 17s – NRFNL 6.11.47 def AFL CW 3.6.24

 

AFL CW U17s gave their all, but were beaten in a hard fought and low scoring match. On the road, the Central West side expected a tough, physical encounter and received just that. The first half of the game was all about defensive efforts from both sides, with the ball effectively rebounding between half back lines and the game becoming a bit of arm wrestle.

The first half was marred by the loss of Charlie Kemp who been playing well through the centre of the ground. Charlie was the victim of some friendly fire from Bathurst hard nut Liam Cooke when both were trying to take possession on the ground. Trying to win the disputed ground ball was a feature of the first half with players from both sides strongly committing to any contest. Clean possession was hard to come by and a total of only 6 goals being scored in the first half reflected this situation. At the main change Northern Riverina lead by 20 pts.

The second half was similar to the first, but Northern Riverina were able to gain some ascendancy and were more skilful with there possessions in the open space. Repeat inside 50s put a lot of pressure on the visitor’s defence and while they stood up, the weight of entries saw NR

Goal Scorers:

NRFNL – Nick Wells 2, Jasper Louden 1, Daniel Potter 1, Harrison Thomas 1, Rowan Duncan 1
AFL CW – Rowan McFarlane 1, Zac Yandle 1, Peter Byrne 1

AFL CW Best Players:

Peter Byrne (BOG), Ike Dean, Jack Goodsell, Charlie Kemp, Jacob Molkentin, Zac Yandle

What they said:

Coach Jason Molkentin:

“I was really impressed with how the boys bonded as a team despite not playing as a team before. They displayed passages during the match where they were able to link up effectively. Overall effort could not be faulted, and I was very of proud of the boys’ willingness to compete for four quarters.”

“In what was a well rounded team effort, it was difficult to isolate particularly players. Peter Byrne (Co-Captain) was judged best player for Central West by the Umpires. Other good players for Central West included Jack Goodsell (rucked all day despite carrying an injury), Ike Dean (played the majority of the game in the midfield and competed hard all game); Angus Easy (held down CHB and was a key player in our hardworking defence); Connor Lynch (who worked hard and applied great pressure in our forward line); Charlie Kemp (played strong in the midfield before getting hurt and then returning later in the game to contribute defensively) and Jacob Molkentin and Zac Yandle who performed roles both in defence and the midfield and contested all day.”

 

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