State 16s claim thrilling win over Vic Country

A pack mark and a goal after the siren by East Perth’s Rhai-arn Cox snatched a one-point win for the Deppro WA State 16s over Victoria Country at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast today, Monday July 10.

WA led early in the contest and were up by 25 points at quarter time before a strong second term from Vic Country saw them take a four point lead into the half time break.

Vic Country extended their lead to a goal at three-quarter time and then pushed ahead by 19 points midway through the final quarter before a WA resurgence that resulted in the last five scoring shots of the game, including the match-winning goal to Cox.

Cox finished the game with three goals, while Perth’s Tarkyn Brogan-Henry also booted three. Ben Middleton (Peel Thunder) kicked two goals while singles came from Jack Buller (Claremont), Luke Jackson (East Fremantle), Bailey Smith (Perth) and Leno Thomas (Claremont).

Leading possession winners for WA included Deven Robertson (Perth) with 23, Jack Musika (South Fremantle) 18, Riley Garcia (Swan Districts) 17, Rhai-arn Cox 16, and Liam Henry (Claremont) 15.

The Deppro WA State 16s’ next game is against Victoria Metro at the GABBA on Friday, July 14 at 8.15am WA time.

Photo: Rhai-arn Cox. By Michael Bain

WA 6.1 7.3 9.5 12.8 (80)

VC 2.0 8.1 10.5 12.7 (79)

WA best: Robertson, Jackson, Cox, Musika, Pasini, Brogan-Henry.

WA goals: Brogan-Henry 3 Cox 3, Middleton 2, Jackson 1, Smith 1, Buller 1, Thomas 1