Young’S Under 18 Cherrypickers had a solid hit out against Southcity Bulls on Sunday, narrowly going down 25-24.
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Southcity’s winning point came from a field goal by Jai Merritt in the final minute of the match.
Young’s coaches Steve Woolford and Stuart Norton were very happy with the ‘Pickers’ effort and with the way they started the game.
Jesse Corcoran scored first for Young and converted his own try to lead 4-nil in the first five minutes.
Southcity were quick to hit back with the score going to 6-4.
Young suffered a couple of injuries in Jake Davis and Jonah Potts, leaving the ‘Pickers with only 13 men for the rest of the game.
Southcity hit back again just before half time to go into the sheds with an 8-6 lead.
With the sides taking the field for the second half and the young boys getting tired and making some errors in play, Southcity scored two tries within minutes of each other to take a 16-6 lead.
To Young’s credit they then put in a huge effort to claw their way back with some big runs from Jake Walker and Will Canellis in the middle that saw front rower Angus Smith run 60 meters and beat half the Southcity side to score a fantastic individual try and get the Cherrypickers back in the game.
It was then the ‘Pickers kicked into gear and with another brilliant return from fullback Nick Schiller showing a clean pair of heels to score a try and even up the score.
Under 16s’ Ethan Bennett-Brown then decided not to be outdone and charged the ball back, splitting the defence up the middle for a 40 metre gain.
Jesse Corcoran then scored his second of the day on the back of some great work to take the lead to 24-16.
It was then Southcity came home with more energy than Young and a few penalties and mistakes crept into the Young side.
Southcity levelled the score at 24-all with only minutes left on the clock.
A big charge by Southcity down the field and a repeat set of six led to a field goal that would win Southcity the game 25-24.
Young could still hold their heads high as Southcity are the bench mark side of the competition, with Young only to falling short due to a lack of reserves.
If you are interested in a game of footy and are turning 17 or 18 this year you are more than welcome to come along to training Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm up at Alfred Oval.
