Match Report – Desperate Legs defeat Panthers

NORWOOD has bounced back after two tough defeats to overrun ladder leaders South Adelaide by nine-points at The Parade on Friday night.

Despite going without a goal for more than a half it didn’t prevent the ruthless Redlegs from earning a hard-fought win in front of its passionate fan base on the Friday night stage.

The win was set up by a five goal to one second term which saw fan favourite Paul Puopolo set the tone after taking a hanger which brought the house down midway through the quarter.

Puopolo converted, giving his side a 21-point lead immediately on the back of a second major to Cameron Shenton.

Once Tasmanian forward Jackson Callow nailed his set shot on the stroke of half-time, the Redlegs suddenly led a previously unbeaten South by 26 points.

It would prove to be enough of a buffer after the second half became a genuine slog – the visitors’ three goals the only ones kicked after the main change.

The Redlegs were resolute in defence as youngsters Jack Heard, Jacob Collins and Cam Ball led the way taking on Souths powerful duo of Sam Overall and Sam Skinner.

Norwood’s Richard Douglas rebounded from a quiet night in Round 4 to stamp himself on the contest with 30 disposals, four tackles and four clearances while Brad McKenzie made a welcome return to also register 30 touches and six tackles.

Former Cat Jacob Kennerley laid an impressive 13 tackles to go with his 24 touches, only to be outdone by captain Matt Nunn who laid 16 tackles with his 20 disposals and six clearances.

The win was also highlighted by several key statistics which were a little bit down over the past couple of weeks.

Norwood laid of 100 tackles for the game which showed their ability to defend the opposition and not allow South to move the ball easily out of the contest, while Norwood plus 25 in marks (76-51), highlighting their ability to spread from contest and stretch the opposition.

The Redlegs now face a tough trip away to Central District at X-Convenience Oval on Saturday afternoon.

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 2.3 7.4 7.6 7.9 (51)

SOUTH ADELAIDE: 2.1 3.2 4.4 6.6 (42)

GOALS: Shenton 2, Callow, Tranfa, Puopolo, Rokahr, Spence

BEST: Douglas, Rokahr, Knoll, Kennerley, McKenzie, Nunn