Match Report: Wet Legs run Cold

Norwood has suffered a disappointing 23-point loss at the hands of Sturt on Friday night at Coopers Stadium. 

The inaccurate Legs were in control for most of the last term, however, the resolute Double Blues were able to hold on to record their first win against Norwood since 2018.

It tough conditions, both sides started the match with a fierce edge forcing several stoppages throughout the early going.

Sturt kicked the first of the match eight minutes in through Adam Trenorden before Cole Gerloff responded ten minutes after reducing the deficit to three-points at the first break.

The second term saw Sturt hit the scoreboard early through goal sneak Josh Hone before Lachlan Burrows made no mistake to extend the Double Blues lead.

Captain Matthew Nunn worked tirelessly all night and was rewarded in the second term when he ran in from 45 metres bring the Norwood crowd into life.

Unfortunately, as the rain continued to fall, the match turned into a territory battle with Sturt able to add one more crucial goal before halftime through Jordon Houlahan.

With all to do in the second half, the Redlegs started the third term on top however a couple of missed opportunities gave Sturt confidence.

Goals to Steven Slimming, Houlahan and Abaina Davis saw the Double Blues open a 32-point lead heading into the final term.

Norwood veteran Cam Shenton kicked truly five minutes into the fourth term to give his side a faint hope but it would turn out to be the last goal of the game as the hosts finished with four consecutive behinds.

The slippery and muddy conditions would not only ensure scores were low but also tackle numbers were through the roof as Norwood laid 146 to Sturt’s 122.

Norwood Captain Matthew Nunn had 23 tackles for the night, as Declan Hamilton continued his good form with 20 disposals while Mitch Grigg and Nik Rokahr battled hard for 19 possessions each.

The Redlegs will now face Port Adelaide in what is another crucial game this Saturday at Alberton Oval.

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 1.0 2.2 2.3 3.7 (25)

STURT: 1.3 4.4 7.6 7.6 (48)

GOALS: Gerloff, Nunn, Shenton

BEST: J.Richards, Puopolo, Hamilton, Grigg, Boyd, Collins