Match Report – South string 76-point win over Norwood

NORWOOD will miss out on the 2020 SANFL Finals series after suffering a disappointing 76-point loss to South Adelaide at Noarlunga on Saturday afternoon.

With all to play for, the Redlegs turned in one of their poorest performances of the season which saw the Panthers too strong winning 17.14 (116) to 6.6 (42).

In perfect conditions, the Legs kicked the first goal of the match through livewire forward Dom Barry who expertly crumbed a ball to stroll into an open goal inside the first 60 seconds.

Back to back goals then saw the Panthers wrestle back the momentum before Tom Pinyon marked strongly to successfully execute his set shot to give Norwood the lead back.

After leading by seven points at the first change, the hosts did everything but put the Redlegs away during the next 30 minutes as they asserted themselves on the contest.

South’s tackling pressure was outstanding, laying a staggering 21 to four in the second quarter while also racking up 17 inside 50s to Norwood’s five.

The only aspect of keeping the visitors in the contest was South’s inaccuracy in front of goal as it tallied 7.12 by the main change on the back of 3.10 for the term.

Tom Pinyon managed a behind late in the second quarter as Norwood struggled with the pace of the Panthers and their ability to spread from contest to contest.

Barry again popped up to kick Norwood’s first in the third term, however the Redlegs were not able to string any momentum with the hosts continuing to hunt and deny Norwood any chance of a comeback.

South finally got its reward in the final term, making the most of a slight breeze picking up to the southern end to slam on 8.1 to Norwood’s 2.2 as it earned its largest home victory of the season.

The Redlegs had few positives to speak of as Rokahr led the way with 25 disposals pushing into the midfield while Richard Douglas had 24 and six clearances.

Reserves Magarey Medallist Jed Spence produced his best League game in his fourth appearance, finishing with 22 touches, five tackles and five clearances.

SCOREBOARD:

SOUTH ADELAIDE: 4.2 7.12 9.13 17.14 (116)

NORWOOD: 3.1 3.2 4.4 6.6 (42)

GOALKICKERS: Pinyon 2, Barry 2, Spence, Gerloff

BEST: Spence, Shenton, Rokahr, Douglas