Plains Producer by Plains Producer

SPORT v Landmark Cup

Enthralling performance by U17’s The difference between the euphoria of glory and the devastation of defeat can be so small. Despite the final margin in both games being less than a goal, the Adelaide Plains Football League (APFL) under 17 squad were winless in the fifth annual Landmark Cup championships at Snowtown Oval last Saturday. “Regardless of the end results, I was really proud of the efforts from the boys,” the APFL under 17 coach Chris Hummel said. “They were a committed group who prepared well and made the efforts on the training track. ‘With a slice of luck we could have easily won both games. “In each contest we were leading deep into the second half.” In the round robin contest against the eventual winners, the Northern Areas, ‘the Plains’ group

REPORT: By Peter Argent were slow out of the blocks and two goals down at the interval. They charged home in a tense second stanza and fell agonizingly short of victory, falling just one point short. “We handled the pace of the game quite well and you couldn’t question our endeavour,” Hummel confirmed. “Just a couple of skill errors were the difference in the end. “The group was really even.” Captain Chad Ruiz led the way in the middle, along with United’s Brandon Merry, who was this game’s best player and outstanding in ruck. Virginia Ram and APFL midfielder Lewis Bannear along with vice-captain, Magpie Ben Martin across half back were both

integral performers in this fixture as well. Goal kickers in this contest were Peckers player Michael Clifford, Mallala lad Jake Birchmore and the athletic Troy Algar. The minor final was another close and enthralling encounter. One point separated the combatants at the break, and after both sides kicked two goals in the second half, the APFL lost the game by just two points. Over the course of both fixtures this group lost both games by a total of three points. “We did everything we could in this game,” Hummel said. “Again we needed a slice of luck here, when Anton Pogas mark was given a push in the back in the dying minutes could have changed the outcome. “Along with lads mentioned in our best player list, Andy Power was

Leah enhances footy credentials Adelaide Plains A grade netballer from the Long Plains and now football talent, Leah Tynan was a member of the South Australian state combination at the 12th annual Women’s National Football Championships from June 7 to 11 around suburban Adelaide. She further enhanced her football credentials with consistent performances in each of the trio of round robin matches. While the South Australian side were winless after being promoted to division one for these titles they were competitive at stages in each of the three games. They got closest to against Queensland at Richmond Oval going down by a single straight kick. Against the eventual winners, Victoria at Woodville Oval, they lost by 56 points and in the match with the tall Western Australia combination at the Adelaide University grounds next to River Torrens they went down by 51 points. Local girl Leah Tynan played in each of the three fixtures predominately across half forward. Senior coach Steve Baxter confirmed this was a strong learning experience for the entire group, including Tynan. “Leah strengths include her sure hands and strong ability to use the ball constructively,” Baxter said. “She does use the football beautifully. “Playing for Greenacres in the SA Women’s competition, Leah is noted as a smart foot-

REPORT and PHOTO: By Peter Argent baller who reads the game well. “If she continues her focus on the game, she is among a strong group of young talents who could be the nucleus of the SA side for the majority of this decade. “As her game develops and she gets stronger, Leah can be used more through the middle of the ground.” The yardstick of women’s football, the Victorians again won this tournament and was crowned national champions. Scores: Tuesday June 6 - Queensland 3.7 (25) defeated SA 2.7 (19) Wednesday June 8 - Victoria 10.10 (70) defeated South Australia 2.2 (14) Friday June 10 - Western Australia 11.11 (77) defeated South Australia 3.8 (26)

Plains Producer, Thursday June 16, 2011

consistent in defence. “Pleasingly we had 10 members of this squad who can play again at this level in 2012. “The four training sessions we had helped the team gel very well and this group produced a solid all round effort with everyone making an contributions.” Two Wells’ Luke Godfrey took a number of telling marks across half back and creative team mates Dylan Wise on a wing were outstanding all game. Both Lewie Bannear and Martin continued their strong form from the APFL’s initial fixture. Rooster Shannon Slattery, Algar and the APFL under 17 competition leading sharp shooter, Anton Pogas, were the individual goal kickers in this game. For the Adelaide Plains side, the Landmark Cup Carnival Best Player at Under 17 level was Rooster Luke Godfrey.

n Under 17: Troy Algar locks Northern Areas player William Hewett, while APFL teammates Brandon Merry, Ben Martin, and Chad Ruiz are there to help.

Hot laps!

Locals Kym Simon, Hayden Elsworthy and Hayden Walker had the thrill of a lifetime on April 11, enduring the ultimate sprint car experience at Speedway City. The boys had a taste of what it’s like to be behind the wheel of an 800+ horsepower, top ranking World Series Sprintcar, which saw them a little wobbly once their laps were completed! The boys are pictured in front of the sprint car with World Series Sprint Car Champion, Robbie Farr.

Nathan’s footy dream With dreams of one day playing football in the AFL, Port Wakefield resident, Nathan Studham, is a step closer to achieving his dream. Nathan, 12, was recently selected in the 2011 Northern Yorke Peninsula SAPSASA football team. Nathan attended the Northern Yorke Peninsula SAPSASA District Football Squad, State football carnival. The carnival was represented by country schools Bute, Kadina, Harvest Christian, Moonta, St Mary, Macillop, Wallaroo and Port Wakefield. Nathan, who is currently in year 7 at Port Wakefield Primary, has always had a passion for football, and doesn’t hide the fact he is a keen supporter of the Essendon Bombers. “I’ve loved footy since I was born, I’d

REPORT: By Sally Crowther love to end up playing footy for the Essendon Bombers,” Nathan said. With about 40 teams made up from schools around the state, Nathan was thrilled to be picked. “It was very exciting, it seems like all my hard work has been worth it,” Nathan said. Nathan, whose favourite position on the football field is centre, attended training and skill testing sessions before getting picked for the team. At only 12 years of age, Nathan already has his football career planned. “I want play for under 13’s in the Woodville West Torrens in the SANFL, then hopefully get drafted,” Nathan said. When asked why he loves football, Nathan was quick to respond. “It’s the excitement of the game, when you play, you play your hardest and when you catch the ball, you just get a spark inside,” Nathan said.