Match Report – Legs run out one-point winners over Dogs

NORWOOD have stretched their winning streak to seven consecutive games after a nail-biting one-point victory over Centrals on Saturday afternoon.

Two goals to Baynen Lowe and Xavier Tranfa left the final score at 7.6 (48) to 6.11 (47).

The Redlegs led by as much as 11-points at the main break, however, the Dogs kept on fighting which saw them boot three of the last four goals.

Norwood started the match with plenty of momentum with swift ball movement from defence to attack.

In form defender, Declan Hamilton found the dangerous Baynen Lowe with a spearing kick from 25 metres out directly in front.

Lowe made no mistake before ruckman Harry Boyd wheeled onto his left from 40 metres to hand Norwood their second of the match.

Centrals booted back-to-back goals courtesy of Billy Iles and Ethan East to hand the Dogs a one-point victory at the first break.

The Redlegs returned to the field for the second quarter with a point to prove as former Centrals forward Connor McLean wheeled onto his left to hand Norwood the perfect start.

Two minutes later the ever-dangerous Ben Jarvis popped up and kicked one of the goals of the day after a well-executed set shot from 45 metres on a tough angle.

Nicholas Lange responded for the Dogs in the 15^th minute, before Xavier Tranfa was awarded a 25-metre penalty which brought him directly in front for Norwood’s fifth.

The Legs held a crucial 11-point lead at the main break, with plenty of work to do in order to sustain what was looming as second spot on the ladder.

Tranfa had his second of the match five minutes into the third term before Ethan East responded two minutes later.

The third term saw many stoppages as both sides grappled for field position.

Only one goal was kicked by both sides, however, Norwood still led the contest by 12-points.

Without injured Cory Stockdale in the second half – The Redlegs skipped out to a three-goal advantage when Baynen Lowe truly kicked six minutes into the fourth quarter.

Goals to Kyle Presbury and Aidan Grace had Centrals within four points nearing time-on.

Central small forward Isaiah Dudley took a clever chest mark but could not convert his set shot in the 21st minute.

Dudley soon had another chance to put his side in front, but his snapshot didn’t quite make the distance as it was rushed over the line.

Another rushed behind as the Legs were under siege brought the margin to just one behind but the final siren sounded before Central had another opportunity to earn a memorable win.

Norwood midfielder Nik Rokahr was adjudged Coles Value Player for his 32 disposals and 10 tackles while Jay Rantall (30 disposals), Josh Richards (25 disposals) and Declan Hamilton (22 disposals) also found plenty of the ball.

Norwood ruck Harry Boyd was brilliant with his 18 disposals, seven clearances and a goal. At the same time, unheralded defender Pierce Seymour had 16 possessions and six tackles, one of which was a desperate chase worthy of highlighting in Jade Rawlings’ match review.

The Redlegs host Glenelg in their final home match of 2022 this Friday night from 7:40pm

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 2.2 5.3 6.5 7.6 (48)

CENTRALS: 2.3 3.4 4.5 6.11 (47)

GOALS: Tranfa 2, Lowe 2, Boyd, Jarvis, McLean

BEST: Donnelly, Hamilton, Ball, Boyd, Rokahr, Lowe