Match Report – Accurate Legs defeat Magpies

NORWOOD has recorded a much-needed 18-point victory against Traditional rivals, Port Adelaide, at Alberton Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The result was set up with a five-goal-to-one second term, which was enough to keep the Magpies at bay.

Four goals each to Connor McLean and Baynen Lowe and three to Matthew Panos left the final score at 15.4 (94) to 11.10 (76).

The Redlegs drew first blood after tough wingman Josh Richards capitalised on a loose ball inside the first five minutes.

Port Adelaide’s defence was under siege early from Norwood, as Lowe doubled Norwood’s lead after strolling in from a metre out in front of the Port cheer squad.

The Magpies gained ascendancy soon after that goal, as they capitalised with two majors of their own through Taj Schofield and Steven Motlop.

Lowe responded again for Norwood, however, Port responded as Dylan Williams kicked his first major of the contest.

Port’s quarter-time lead remained intact as Matt Panos missed a set shot on the siren and the hosts were on top by two points.

The two sides exchanged goal for goal as Henry Nelligan kick started the Redlegs early in the second before former Leg Anthony Wilson found space to boot his first of the contest.

Norwood then started to gain momentum throughout the second term which saw Nelligan secure his second, before Connor McLean and a Panos double followed.

The Redlegs were sublime at the contest winning clearances, laying tackles, and more importantly finishing off their good work in front of goals.

Norwood opened a handy buffer of 20-points at the main break.

Port started the third term how they wanted after forward Dante Visentini kicked his first to reduce the margin to 14-points.

Despite Port’s strong start, the dangerous McLean kicked back-to-back goals to extend Norwood’s lead to 25-points.

Norwood looked in control, however, Trent Burgoyne and Steven Motlop started to find the football and influence the contest.

This resulted in Wilson kicking two trademark goals to get the Magpies within touching distance and in a flash, the margin was only 12-points in favour of the Redlegs.

After featuring down back for the majority of the day, Luke Surman was thrown forward at the start of the fourth and it paid dividends as he kick-started Port’s fightback.

Norwood responded instantly with a swift counter, with McLean kicking his fourth and the margin was back to 12 points.

Forward Ollie Lord took a big mark and responded five minutes before Panos showed his class to grab his third to stop the Magpie’s run and momentum.

Port continued to fight throughout the contest, as Mac Nield snapped truly to against reduce the margin to just five-points.

With all to play for, Norwood then put their foot on the accelerator which saw Lowe kick back-to-back goals before Sam Morris put the icing on the cake executing a set shot from 40-metres to all but seal the two points for Norwood.

Motlop kicked a goal after the siren, but it was all too late as the Redlegs ran out 14-point victors at Alberton Oval.

Norwood’s Nik Rokahr was having an influence in the centre square with his 37 disposals and six clearances while Declan Hamilton (25 disposals) was his usual clean self with the ball.

Henry Nelligan kicked two goals and had 21 disposals for the Redlegs while Josh Richards lent valuable support with his 19 disposals, eight tackles and opening goal from the pocket.

SCOREBOARD:

PORT ADELAIDE: 3.3 4.5 7.8 11.10 (76)

NORWOOD: 3.1 8.1 10.2 15.4 (94)

GOALS: Lowe 4, McLean 4, Panos 3, Nelligan 2, Richards, Morris

BEST: Heard, Rokahr, Morris, Cotter, Panos, Lowe