East Fremantle 16s Match Report: An absolute nail biter for the Sharks

The 16s Development squad game against Peel Thunder was a fantastic effort from start to finish. The game was fought out right to the final siren with both teams going head to head at the footy.

Our first quarter was a great start with some fast ball movement and clearance work by our ruck and midfield. Dylan Curley was impressive with his ruck work with big bodied midfielders Trey Ruscoe and Sean Henley leading the charge. We scored early with Bay Tucek hitting the score board crumbing off a pack. Shortly after, Darcy Rowe scored our second goal with some quick thinking off a pack. Peel then had a run on with goals with our turnovers affecting our ball use.

The second quarter saw our boys using the ball better and hitting up targets coming off the back line. Luke Dobson was again instrumental with his leadership guiding the boys going forward. Daniel Schmidt was also a key backman and used his body really well in contests. Trent Rivers provided a forward target and took the game on which was great to see. The boys went into Half time only 6 points down in what would be a great second half to come.

The 3rd quarter was exceptional with some great football from both sides. Trent Rivers worked really hard and hit the score board, and Leroy Pigram used his pace on a number of occasions which was great to see. The boys finished the quarter with some much needed work to do after Peel pushed slightly away.

The final quarter our boys needed to lift to get back into the game, Peel pushed early on with a 20 point margin for us to chase. The contest was red hot throughout the quarter and our defence stood up and made Peel pay for their errors.  Trey Ruscoe, Bay Tucek and Sean Henley were excellent in the midfield and worked really hard to create opportunities forward. Our boys put in 110% and worked their way back into the game and hit the front. It was a heart stopping last 5 minutes with Peel getting the better of one of our turn overs and making an inside 50. It was a brilliant effort from one of our leaders Zac Hayward who crashed a final marking effort to punch the ball and seal an East Fremantle win by 3 points. An amazing fought out game by both sides.

PEEL 9.11.65

EFFC  10.8. 68

Goals: Trent River 5, Dylan Curley 2, Josh Goodwin 1, Bay Tucek 1 and Darcy Rowe 1.

Best: Dylan Curley, Trent Rivers, Luke Dobson, Leroy Pigram and Trey Ruscoe.

The 16s head into a bye which will have them ready to take on the Perth Demons at East Fremantle Oval on April 8 at 2pm.

(Photo by J.Rowe)