On Tuesday the 4th of August, the Central Yorke Football Academy (CYFA) and other students from across Yorke Peninsula played in the first round of the Open Boys Knockout Football Competition.
The boys played three games in a round robin style against Burra/Eudunda/Riverton (BER) Schools combined, Clare High School (CHS) and Balaklava High School (BHS).
Blyth Oval game
The first game was played at Blyth Oval against BER. The CYFA started fast, with Byron Hart kicking the opening 2 goals of the game in the first 5 minutes. The boys used this momentum to power over the opposition, with the final score CYFA 7.3 defeating BER 0.5.
Clare oval game
The team then travelled to Clare Oval to take on Clare High School. CHS took control of the game early and had a 4-goal lead at three quarter time. After Xenos Petch laid a big tackle in the last quarter, the boys increased their intensity around the ball and kicked two goals within 5 minutes. Unfortunately, time became the issue with the final score CYFA 4.2 defeated by CHS 6.4.
Back to Blyth
The final game was back at Blyth Oval against Balaklava High School. BHS were older and stronger and took control from the first bounce. The boys tried hard, but physically and structurally were outplayed. BHS finished the game 11.11 defeating CYFA 1.2.
Top players
Angus Clifford looked dangerous all day, reading the play behind the ball and providing speed out of the backlines. Tyson Crowell was the best of our forwards, taking strong marks and kicking 5 goals throughout the day. Bill Bornholm, Koby Poulton, Lachlan Whittaker and Angus Nowlan were all consistent across the three games.
It was pleasing to see boys from across Yorke Peninsula come together and represent Yorke’s with professionalism and pride. I would like to thank Grant Keleher, Chris Cook, Gavin Moore and Ruth Nowlan for their help on the day.