Match Report – Third term blitz seals Eagle’s win

NORWOOD has fallen to reigning Premiers Woodville West-Torrens by 36-points at The Parade on Saturday afternoon.

Despite holding a slender six-point lead at the main break, the Eagles flicked the switch from the midway point of the third term piling on five unanswered goals to set up their tenth win of the season.

In dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg’s 150th SANFL game, neither side could manage a score until the 18th minute of the opening term before Tom Wagner booted a behind ahead of also contributing the only goal of the quarter five minutes later.

The Redlegs started the second term on top with their pressure a real highlight not allowing their opposition time and space to gain field position to hit the scoreboard.

Wagner kicked his second inside five minutes to bring the Norwood fans into life before exciting talent Tristan Binder marked from 45 metres out on a slight angle. Binder made no mistake as Norwood led by 19-points early in the second term.

As good teams do, the Eagles fought back however could only manage one goal out of the five scoring shots created.

Once Binder booted his second for match the Redlegs margin was out to 12-points, however this did not last long as Troy Menzel kicked a much-needed goal to bring the Eagles back into the contest.

The lack of early potency didn’t concern the Eagles though, despite trailing by as much as 19 points when the Redlegs’ milestone man – Mitch Grigg – kicked truly nine minutes into the third quarter.

The Eagles desperation and efficiency within a 10-minute patch in the third term saw the Redlegs trail by as much as 19-points as former Crow Tyson Stengle popped up with two classy goals.

With all to play for in the final term, Redlegs forward prospect Tristan Binder hauled in an impressive pack mark before converting to trim the deficit to 13 points six minutes later but that would be the final score for the hosts, who were overrun by the powerful Eagles.

Grigg battled hard for Norwood with 29 touches, nine clearances and a goal while Nik Rokahr chalked up 25 disposals and Declan Hamilton 23 as Josh Richards continued his improvement with 21 disposals and eight tackles.

The Redlegs now turn their attention to this Saturday’s crucial clash with the Crows as they look to maintain their spot in the top 5.

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 1.1 4.2 6.3 7.3 (45)

EAGLES: 0.0 2.8 7.9 11.15 (81)

BEST: Kennerley, Binder, Hamilton, J.Richards, Grigg, Ball

GOALS: Binder 3, Wagner 2, Kennerley, Grigg