VIC Metro and Vic Country have both claimed wins over their respective opponents in the National Under 16s Championships. Ahead of the big clash between the Victorian sides on Saturday, Metro defeated South Australia by 23 points, and Country knocked off NSW/ACT by 31 points in Horsham and Albury respectively.

Metro had to overcome an early deficit, kicking just one behind in the opening half as South Australia led by six points at the main break. But an inspired Victorian side came out to boot two goals in the third term, and three goals in the final quarter to run over the top of the Croweaters with a 23-point win. Alyssa Bannan was the key up forward for Vic Metro in the second half, with the Northern Knights star booting two goals, along with teammate Ellie McKenzie (one).

McKenzie was named in the best, along with Eastern Ranges small Olivia Meagher, who was dominant across the four quarters, named best on ground ahead of Ranges teammate, Tarni Brown. Fellow Ranges player Mietta Kendall, Oakleigh Chargers’ Taylah Morton, and Calder Cannons’ small forward Alisa Magri were named among Metro’s best. Sandringham Dragons’ Bella Eddey was the other goal scorer.

For South Australia, Aisha Thomas and Elouisa Thomas were the goal kickers, as Abbie Ballard was named the losing side’s best on the day. Hannah Ewings, Jamie Parish and Teah Charlton were also named among the best, in what was a strong performance from the South Australian side.

In the other game, Vic Country had control of the contest against NSW/ACT early, booting three goals to one in the opening term. The Rams hit back with the only goal in the next two quarters, to trail by just 11 points at the final break. A dominant last quarter saw Vic Country run away with the game, booting three goals to zero and record a 31-point victory.

Murray Bushrangers’ tall Olivia Barber was too strong, booting two goals, while midfielder/forward from the Dandenong Stingrays, Tyanna Smith also finished with two majors. Geelong Falcons’ forward Renee Tierney, and Bendigo Pioneers’ Elizabeth Snell both booted goals in the win. Greater Western Victoria (GWV) small forward Renee Saulitis was named best on ground for her efforts on the weekend, ahead of Smith, Snell and Rebels’ teammate Chloe Leonard. Tierney was also impressive, as was Pioneers rebounding defender, Brooke Hards.

For NSW/ACT, Amy Sligar and Abbey Martin were the goal kickers, making history as the first Under 16s side from NSW/ACT to compete in a National Championships. Sligar and Martin were among the Rams’ best in the loss, along with Jayde Hamilton and Arizona Cross. Natalie Sligar was deemed to be the Rams best in what was a memorable day for the state despite the defeat.

RESULTS:

South Australia           1.1   1.1   1.1    2.1 (13)
Vic Metro                      0.0   0.1  2.2    5.6 (36) 

GOALS
SA: Aisha Thomas, Elouisa Thomas.
Vic Metro: Alyssa Bannan 2, Olivia Meagher, Bella Eddey, Ellie McKenzie.

BEST
SA: Abbie Ballard, Hannah Ewings, Jamie Parish, Teah Charlton, Chloe Forby, Sarah Wright.
Vic Metro:  Olivia Meagher, Tarni Brown, Ellie McKenzie, Mietta Kendall, Taylah Morton, Alisa Magri

NSW/ACT                           1.0    2.1   2.2   2.2 (14)
Vic Country                       3.2    3.6   3.7    6.9 (45) 

GOALS
NSW/ACT: Amy Sligar, Abbey Martin.
Vic Country: Olivia Barber 2, Tyanna Smith 2, Elizabeth Snell, Renee Tierney.

BEST
NSW/ACT: Natalie Sligar, Jayde Hamilton, Abbey Martin, Arizona Cross, Amy Sligar
Vic Country: Renee Saultis, Tyanna Smith, Elizabeth Snell, Chloe Leonard, Renee Tierney, Brooke Hards