Match Report – Bloods claim gallant victory over Norwood

NORWOOD has ended the minor round season with a 10-point loss to West Adelaide at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.

In a wet and windy affair, the Bloods desperation and willingness to work harder for longer was too strong for their opponents as they downed the Redlegs 8.9. (57) to 6.11. (47).

With the rain coming down hard at the Parade, Norwood was not able to capitalise on their early opportunities.

The Bloods booted the first two behinds of the match before Norwood missed the next five shots on goal.

It took until defender Cameron Shenton unleashed a 50-metre goal on the stroke of quarter-time to hand Norwood an eight-point lead at the first change.

The second quarter remained hotly contested as Kenneth Karpany gave the visitors the perfect start at the eight-minute mark of the quarter kicking truly.

Norwood continued to work hard in the wet conditions, despite being unable to register scoring opportunities.

Dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg marked strongly from 40 metres out to kick his first before Dom Barry was found by fellow speedster Anthony Wilson who strolled into an open goal two minutes later.

The Bloods then ended the quarter the way they would have liked as Karpany gave the hosts something to cheer about kicking his second on the 25th-minute mark.

Despite a low scoring affair both sides were determined to end the season on a high as Norwood led the Bloods by seven-points at the main break.

Forward Isaac Johnson kicked West Adelaide’s first goal of the third quarter, but Norwood responded through forward Peter Bampton who kicked his first goal on the run from 35 metres.

It was goal for goal at the Parade, in an entertaining third quarter as Anthony Wilson kicked his first by kicking the ball off the ground on an unguarded goal before the Bloods capitalised on two late quarter opportunities to reduce the deficit to three-points.

Norwood managed to kick the last goal of the quarter as Cole Gerloff sharked the ball from a stoppage to expertly kick Norwood’s sixth of the match.

Norwood had a chance to hit the front late in the final term when returning forward Declan Hamilton hit the post on the run from 20m in front but the Bloods appeared hungrier for victory.

It was West Adelaide who showed true grit in tough conditions to come home with three unanswered goals to Norwood’s zero to register an inspirational 10-point win at the Parade.

Richard Douglas and Matthew Nunn each compiled 24 touches and six clearances while Cam Shenton tried to spark several attacks from defence with his 23 disposals and a goal.

But it was another spirited display from the retiring Baulderstone which nearly lifted Norwood across the line, the dual premiership big man chalking up 17 disposals, 11 clearances, four tackles and a whopping 47 hit outs in his final League outing.

Fittingly, the 29-year-old was given a guard of honour from both teams as he left The Parade for the last occasion.

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 1.5 3.6 6.9 6.11 (45)

WEST ADELAIDE: 0.2 2.5 5.6 8.9 (57)

GOALKICKERS: Barry, Grigg, Bampton, Wilson, Gerloff, Shenton

BEST: McKenzie, Baulderstone, Douglas, Heard, Shenton