Contested Legs down the Dogs

NORWOOD has made it two wins in succession after defeating a gallant Bulldogs outfit by 30-points at Coopers Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Redlegs win was set up in the first term as they bolted out of the blocks to kick five goals in the first quarter while holding the Bulldogs to just one behind.

Promising youngster Henry Nelligan gave Norwood the perfect start inside the first minute of play before Paul Puopolo kicked Norwood’s second through a trademark snap on the right foot.

In what was a one-sided affair the Redlegs led by 31-points at the first change.

The second term saw Norwood continue to dominate proceedings as Mitch Grigg gave the hosts the perfect start as he unleashed a 55-metre goal within the opening seven minutes.

It took until the 13^th minute for Centrals to register their first goal of the match through Ethan East before gun forward Aidan Grace made it back-to-back goals four minutes after.

The conditions started to become difficult midway through the second term as the rain continued to fall forcing the sides to play a contested brand of football.

Third gamer Tristan Binder kicked a fantastic goal from the Coopers Hill pocket in the 20^th minute, before Tranfa was at it again booting his second for the match only minutes later.

Despite what was a reasonably large deficit, the Dogs continued to fight as they kicked two miracle goals late in the term to reduce the margin to 25-points at halftime.

The third term was a slower burn as Centrals continued to battle hard culminating in several inside 50 entries.

To Norwood’s credit their defence was up to the task led by Michael Talia who was at his bustling best to protect Norwood’s lead in such tough conditions.

Former Redleg Chris Olsson kicked Centrals only major for the term as they trailed 17-points heading into the final change.

As the Redlegs weathered the Centrals pressure, they were able to turn the tide as Cameron Shenton booted two crucial majors in the last quarter to all but seal victory for Norwood in what a special day in ‘Count Me in’ Round.

Norwood had 10 less inside 50s for the match but that didn’t matter as Mitch Grigg and Nik Rokahr racked up 20 disposals each while Declan Hamilton had 19 to go with his goal and seven tackles.

Shenton and Tranfa were the only multiple goal scorers on the ground with two each.

Norwood now turns their attention to Friday night crucial clash with Sturt at Coopers Stadium.

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 5.2 8.4 8.6 10,12 (72)

CENTRAL DISTRICT: 0.1 4.3 5.7 5.12 (42)

GOALS: Shenton 2, Tranfa 2, Pascoe, Nelligan, Binder, Hamilton, Grigg, Puopolo

BEST: D. Hamilton, N. Rokahr, J. Richards, P. Puopolo, M. Grigg, H. Boyd