Norwood back on the winner’s list ahead of tough run

Norwood was staring down the barrel of consecutive losses, before two late goals surged the Redlegs to an eventual and important win over Central District at X Convenience Oval on Saturday night. 

The visitors led by 11 points at the final break, before the Bulldogs booted two goals in quick succession to edge in front with just seven minutes remaining.

As the minutes were ticking down, Centrals (looking for a second win of the season) held a two-point advantage, before off-season recruit Ashely Baker converted a high-pressure set shot to return the Redlegs to the lead.

It was all on the line in the final moments. Steph Simmonds won a free kick at half forward, and belted the ball long into an attacking 50m, which belonged to Mykaela Walker, who had stayed at home while everyone had pushed up the ground. Walker marked and waltzed into an open goal to seal the deal.

Baker finished with two goals, while captain Jade Halfpenny continued her stellar run of form, with 31 disposals, 10 tackles, six clearances and a goal. Young gun Lani Cocks had 24 disposals, and Coby Morgan 19.

It was an important bounce back 10-point victory, away from home, rebounding from last weekend’s disappointing loss to North Adelaide.

Over the next three matches, Norwood face the other three sides in the top four, starting with fourth placed Sturt at Unley Oval on King’s Birthday Monday. Following the Double Blues, Norwood take on the top two sides, South Adelaide and Woodville-West Torrens.

Norwood 3.0, 4.0, 5.1, 7.1 – 43

Central District 1.1, 2.2, 3.2, 5.3 – 33

Goals: Baker 2, Arkun, Cocks, Halfpenny, Lineage, Walker

Best: Jade Halfpenny, Kate Alexander, Abby Klaebe, Coby Morgan, Lani Cocks