Match Report – Legs make it six in row with win over Adelaide

NORWOOD has extended its winning streak to six games after defeating League leaders Adelaide by 12-points at Coopers Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In a game which the scoreboard didn’t reflect the outcome, the Redlegs defended well and kicked crucial goals which culminated in an 8.17 (65) to 7.11 (53) victory.

Norwood dominated the early going of the contest, with their ability to spread from stoppage and generate numerous inside 50s.

The Redlegs registered the first four scoring shots of the contest, however, failed to capitalise on each opportunity.

It took until the 19^th minute for big forward Luke Surman to kick the first goal of the contest from a set shot directly in front.

Minutes after the Redlegs had their second, as fellow big man Harry Boyd made no mistake of his set shot to hand Norwood a 16-point lead at the first break.

Norwood started off the second term with pressure high around the football.

This resulted in a Sam Morris goal on the three-minute mark before the Crows finally kicked their first major through wingman Lachlan Sholl.

As good teams do, the Redlegs responded a couple of minutes later as midfielder Jed Spence was awarded a high free-kick towards the centre of the ground.

He found second gamer Mitch Carroll alone from 60 metres out who kicked the ball long for it to bounce through to register his first ever Norwood goal.

The Crows began to gain a bit more ascendancy after the goal, resulting in back-to-back majors courtesy of forward livewire James Rowe.

The Legs ended the half the way they wanted, as big defender Tom Donnelly evaded two Crows players to kick a long goal from 50-metres to bring the red and blue crowd to life.

Norwood held a handy 21-point lead at the main break.

The second half saw the Crows kick the first through medium-sized forward Lachie Gollant, before consistent Norwood midfielder snapped truly from 35 metres to extend the Redlegs lead.

Despite not being able to apply more scoreboard pressure, Norwood continued to dominate the opposition with their defensive pressure a real highlight.

Xavier Tranfa who had worked all day tirelessly, found some reward for effort kicking one of the goals of the game after he evaded a couple of Crows players and swung onto his left boot from 40-metres to extend the Redlegs margin to 23-points.

The final term saw Jay Boyle kick the first which reduced margin the to just 14-points. After being well on top for the first three quarters, Adelaide found confidence, however, couldn’t apply any scoreboard pressure.

Tranfa kicked the final goal of the contest to all but seal the two points on offer and cement Norwood fourth spot on the SANFL Hostplus ladder.

Redleg Nik Rokahr was superb in the centre square again, racking up 29 disposals and an admirable snap goal from a standing start while Declan Hamilton provided his trademark dash with his 31 disposals.

Jed Spence, Josh Richards and acting Legs captain Jacob Kennerley reached the 20-disposal barrier while big men Luke Surman and Harry Boyd also had their moments with 15 disposals and a goal each.

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 2.4 5.11 7.14 8.17 (65)

ADELAIDE: 0.0 3.2 5.6 7.11 (53)

GOALS: Tranfa 2, Surman, Boyd, M.Carroll, Donnelly, Morris, Rokahr

BEST: Boyd, Rokahr, Hamilton, Ball, Seymour, Morris