Youth Girls brave in defeat by Vic Country

The NSW/ACT Youth Girls have been overrun by Vic Country in their second match of the NAB AFLW U18 Championships this week on the Gold Coast.

The margin by the end of the encounter was 27 points, however it was a score line not quite telling of the game which played out.

The Vics got off to a quick start, managing two goals in the first term to NSW/ACT’s zero.

While NSW/ACT were able to hit back after quarter-time through a goal to Jordyn Jolliffe, the second quarter was also Vic Country’s time to shine.

Adding another four goals to their tally prior to halftime, Vic Country’s lead extended to 34 points.

It was following the main break that a different game evolved.

The NSW/ACT Youth Girls were able to match it with the Victorians in the second half, keeping them goalless for the remainder of the match. Vic Country threatened in their forward-50, as they added two behinds over two quarters, but the NSW/ACT defence was able to stand strong.

Unfortunately for the NSW/ACT side, as Vic Country remained goalless, so did they, and while a much closer match ensued over the final two quarters, no team capitalised on their defensive efforts.

NSW/ACT Youth Girls Head Coach, Tim Schmidt said that their first half was lost to fundamental skill errors, leading to a high rate of turnovers.

“In the second half, we were much cleaner with our hands and ball movement,” said Schmidt.

“There were plenty of positives in the second half, which we will take into our last match against Vic Metro.”

Alyce Parker continued her stellar state form, dominating through the middle and tallying 37 touches in the 60-minute game.

“Georgia Breward and Nicky Steel were fantastic down back, and Lexi Hamilton was great for us in the ruck too.”

The NSW/ACT Youth Girls team play their final match of the series on Friday, 14 July 2017 against Vic Metro at 10.00am. You can watch this match live on the AFL Women’s YouTube channel here.