The Gold Coast SUNS Academy has drawn first blood for 2015, beating the Brisbane Lions Academy 12.6 78 to 5.10 40 at Southport on Saturday.
It’s a turnaround of fortunes for the SUNS group, who had failed to notch up a win in previous Academy encounters.
The teams will meet again at Yeronga, this Saturday March 21 at 2:00pm, in the final match to decide selection in the Queensland Under 18 Squad.
Selectors will announce the squad on Monday March 23.
What the Academies said:
Jason Torney – Gold Coast SUNS Academy Manager
“An outstanding team performance in a tough first up hit out for the Academy boys at a blustery Southport Oval. SUNS players tackled hard and converted on the scoreboard to come away with the win.
“Better players were Dyson Budarick, Jack Bowes, Harris Newton, Max Spencer, Cody Filewood, Bradley Scheer, Joshua Brown and Robert Blood followed closely by every one else!”
Goals: Cody Filewood 3, Kyle Emery 2, Jack Bowes, Dyson Budarick, Kurt Skuse, Brad Scheer, Daniel Charlesworth, Kai Sheers and Jesse Esam 1
Luke Curran – Brisbane Lions Academy Manager
“Improved effort from our U18 boys today, but skill & decision making errors proved costly throughout the game and in the end result.
“Jacob Allison in for his first game after a broken toe injury was clear standout on his wing, Nate Dennis in the ruck gave our midfield first use at stoppages with Ben Keays feeding of him all game. Reuben Williams worked into the game after switching to the half back line in the 2nd half and Nick Weller used his speed to continually chase down and apply tackle pressure on the opposition.”
Goals: Wylie Buzza 3, Eric Hipwood 1, Jacob Allison 1
Best: Jacob Allison, Nate Dennis, Ben Keays, Reuben Williams, Nick Weller
Youth Girls Selection Match
Brisbane Lions 13.16.94 defeated Gold Coast SUNS 2.2.14
Brisbane Lions Youth Girls
Goals: Bella Freeman 4, Jade Ransfield 3, Chelsea Ansell 2, Regan Winterbottom, Tiffany Dale, Chloe MacDonald, Kelsee Sills 1
Best: Regan Winterbottom, Jade Ransfield, Tarni White, Danielle Wall, Tahlia Randall
Gold Coast SUNS Youth Girls
Goals: Kalinda Howarth 2
Best: Luana Healy, Taivia Dunne, Maddie Coe, Elisha King, Lauren Bella
