The School Sport NT Thunder 15 squad is playing in the National School Boys Championships in Maroochydore this week.
The School Sport NT U15’s Schoolboys team are currently contesting the National Schoolboys Championships in Maroochydore in Queensland. AFLNT’s Xavier Moloney is the Coach & he is being assisted by Darwin RDM Brodie Marston & NTIS AFL High Performance Coach, Brett Hand
The Schoolboys have been given a tough draw, taking on both Victorian sides in their first 3 matches but have not been disgraced with fantastic against the odds efforts.
The Thunder wishes Xavier & his team best of luck to get a win on the board before the end of the Championships.
Match Reports by Xavier Moloney
Northern Territory 7.5 defeated by
NSW 11.6
The Northern Territory, although a little nervous started the game with an impressive intensity which saw them match the more physically stronger NSW team and at the first break have a slender lead.
As the game progressed in the second quarter the Northern Territory began to display a strong physical presence which forced errors in the NSW play. Unfortunately the Northern Territory was unable to capitalise on these errors and the lead was lost
After the half time break the team began the third quarter with the same intensity as the beginning of the game but after strong physical encounter weary legs were starting to appear and a break down in the backline structure becoming apparent. Three quick goals from NSW took the deficit out to 4 goals at the final break.
Once again the Territory’s commitment to contest possession and run with the ball saw two quick goals being kicked. The final quarter saw a great physical battle with the NSW bigger physical presence becoming he deciding factor on the game
Overall the Northern Territory’s performance was one of merit with every player contributing to a fast paced physical game which was played out until the final siren.
NT Best: Jed Anderson, Aaron Smith, Aaron Pollard, John Lolias, Bradley Johansen
NT Goals: Sebastian Wanambi 3, Rodney Tiparui 2, Troy Lawton 1, Keelan Fejo 1
Northern Territory 4.5 defeated by
Vic Country 14.9
The Northern Territory started extremely well with tremendous pressure being applied to the bigger and stronger Vic country team. The first goal being scored from a great passage of play which sparked a sense of belief from the players that they were able to match this physically bigger team. At the end of the first quarter the territory were well in the game with the Vic‘s leading by only 2 goals.
Victoria then came out with a great physical presence which unnerved some of the smaller players in the group. Never the less the teams endeavour to get the ball and create scoring opportunities were present but a far stronger Victorian backline restricted conversions in the goal square and by half time the Vic country lead had extended to 5 goals.
After the half time break a renewed intensity was displayed by the Northern territory with the territory kicking the first goal. Using their physical presence the Vic country began to apply pressure in the centre of the field and skill errors began to appear which allowed many uncontested scoring opportunities by the Vics. Even so the Northern territory back line was able to restrict the onslaught to 3 goals
With the lead seeming incontestable the Northern Territory’s last quarter was less than their best performance. Poor decision making saw many turnovers and extra pressure being put on an already under siege backline. The ball struggle to move forward and at times frustration was being be shown by NT players
The final score line although seemingly one sided did not demonstrate the Territory’s endeavour to win the game and is one of the most competitive scores against a Victorian team in a number of years
NT Best: Jed Anderson, Fin Fleming, Sam Hocking, Joseph Collinson, Damian Williams
NT Goals: Sean Emery 1, Jayden Clayfield 1, Jake Neade 1, Keelan Fejo 1
NT 1.6 defeated by
Vic Metro 13. 7
The Northern Territory team began the game as they had in the two previous games with a genuine intensity that showed their commitment to getting the football and providing a strong contest for Vic Metro. Unfortunately Vic Metro’s height, slick ball skills and continual pressure saw a three goal to a single point score in the first quarter.
The NT began the second quarter with no less intensity and continued to apply pressure to their more physically stronger opponents. Despite their intensity and endeavour and keeping Metro to a four goals it was not until very late at the second quarter that the NT scored their first goal
After the half time break the NT began playing a fast paced running game, using the ball more and taking a more risks when moving the ball forward. This change in the games format unsettled Vic metro with the game began to take on a new life. The NT beginning to move the ball inside 50 on numerous occasions, but a strong Vic metro backline prohibited any score. Turnovers were costly and the ball move swiftly down field but the NT held firm only allowing Vic a two goal term.
The final term maintained its quick moving play with NT players continuing to apply pressure to Vic metro by contesting possessions. Unfortunately the NT backlines uneven matchups were becoming more exposed and were unable to control Vic metro goal scoring opportunities
Once again the NT’s effort playing a much larger and more physical side was commendable. The teams tenacity and ability to play the game out until the end was not indicated in the final score line.
NT Best: Jake Neade, Jayden Clayfield, Nathan Eres Woodley, Sean Emery, Damian Williams
NT Goals: Sean Emery 1