The Mornington Peninsula U14’s side have taken the first honours as they defeated the AFL New Zealand Academy Level 1 side in their first game of the 2 match series.
An emotional Haka from the home side opened the match and set the scene for the cross-Tasman clash.
With wet conditions greeting both the sides, the visitors didn’t take long to open the scoring as they kicked 4 first quarter goals.
Debutant Xavier Giles was tremendous for the NZ Level 1 side playing at full back. His strong marking, accurate kicking and all round effort earned him a best on ground award.
Clean skills and solid teamwork from the touring Australian team stood out in the first half of the match, however inaccuracy in front of goal hampered the travelling side’s chance to post a higher score.
Level 1 Captain Max Frew led from the front and had a strong game along with Auckland debutant Connor McIver-Rhodes who was busy all game.
Cantabrian Lachlan McBride also had a great game for the home side along with Thomas Smith from Wellington.
MPJFL forward Ty Cull was having a strong game in the forward line finishing the game with 3 goals.
The MPJFL side overran the New Zealand Level 1 Academy by 116 points at the full time siren but Level 1 Head Coach Adam Clarke saw a lot of positives out of the game with glimpses of some good passages of play throughout the match.
Game 2 is set for Monday April 8th, 11.45am at QBE Stadium.
Goals:
Mornington Peninsula U14’s: Ty Cull 3, Leon Brancatisano 3, Jack Leete 2, Harry Vanraay 2, Josh Van Der Horst 2, Miller Stewart 1, Riley Cazaly 1, River Harris 1, Harvey Logue 1.
Best on Ground Awards:
NZ Academy Level 1: Xavier Giles and Jacob Nyman
Mornington Peninsula U14’s: Riley Cazaly and Ty Cull
