NFC Match Report – Round 12

NORWOOD has suffered it’s third straight defeat after falling to Adelaide by 37-points at the Parade on Sunday afternoon.

The Crows did the damage in a dynamic second half, booting eight goals to two, to stun the pro-Norwood crowd.

The first half was considered a quite even contest, as Norwood registered the first major of the day courtesy of Luke Surman.

The Crows went onto boot the next two goals, one from a freekick directly in front converted by Riley Knight, the second a turnover which allowed Elliott Himmelberg to kick his first from 30 metres directly in front.

The Legs, however, were up to the task as the returning Matt Panos converted a set shot from 40 metres, while Lewis Johnston unleashed a trademark 50-metre goal to be five points up at the first break.

But things only got tougher from there as Norwood continued to butcher opportunities in front of goal before finishing with 6.15 from 21 scoring shots.

Andy Otten was instrumental in defence for the Crows with his ability to intercept the ball from Norwood’s inside 50 entries a real highlight.

The Legs were held goalless in the second term as Himmelberg and Knight both kicked their second to give Adelaide a crucial five-point lead.

The third term started as a real arm wrestle as Himmelberg kicked his third, while Johnston marked strongly from 30 metres out to bring the Norwood faithful to life.

After what seemed to be a crucial goal, the Legs hard work went undone as Adelaide started to control the match kicking three goals in six minutes to almost put the result beyond doubt.

A trademark Anthony Wilson goal towards the end of the third gave Norwood a sniff, however, the last quarter was controlled by the ever so accurate Adelaide.

The returning Matt Nunn was impressive in his first game back, with his ability to break away from the contest a real focal point.

Lewis Johnston was one of the few clean Redlegs with two goals without a miss to go with his 31 touches while Grigg, Nunn and Panos battled manfully against a strong Adelaide midfield.

Norwood finished up plus 34 in tackles (82-48) and plus four in inside 50s (53-49).

The Legs will now travel to ACH Stadium next Sunday to face the second-placed Glenelg at 1:10pm.