The VAFA U18 team has made it two wins from two matches against the best under 18 talent from New Zealand as they won match two of the series against the Kiwis by 46 points today in Auckland.
In sunny conditions and a with a slight breeze favouring one end, the Kiwis came out firing early with an aggressive tackling game. However the VAFA were able to steady to take a slim advantage at the first term.
Kicking into the breeze in the second quarter the VAFA kicked four goals to three to extend the margin to 19 points at half time.
The game was broken open in the third term as the VAFA’s powerful running game came the fore. The VAFA piled on six goals to one to take a comfortable 48 point lead into the three quarter time huddle.
VAFA confidence continued to soar in the second half, a weekend spent together on the road had allowed the team to bond and get a good feel for how each other played.
The Kiwis continued to fight hard in the final quarter, as they had done in the match on Saturday, both teams booted two goals each for the term, and the New Zealanders will take some consolation from winning the final quarter of the tour.
The VAFA is delighted with the performances of the coaching staff, led by Owen Lalor and David Gately his assistant. The coaching team were very proud of the way the boys represented the VAFA on this tour.
“They have all been a credit to their clubs and the Association, both in the way they have conducted themselves on and off field.” said Lalor
The VAFA is proud of the fact that this year marks the fifth consecutive year of sending a team to play against AFLNZ. The VAFA continues to lead the way when it comes to pushing the development of the game in New Zealand.
AFLNZ U18 2.2 5.5 6.6 8.11.59
VAFA U18 4.4 8.6 14.6 16.9.105
Goals VAFA: Hard 3, Hickey 3, O’Toole 3, Ergul 3, Douglas 1, Gregory 1, Henley 1, Katsambanis 1
Best VAFA: Hard, Lovejoy, Waters, Grange, Johnstone, O’Toole