NFCW Match Report – Round 3

Norwood vs Sturt
Round 3 – Coopers Stadium – 04/03/19

Goals: Allen, Hollick, Hill, Fenton, Clark
Best: Armitstead, Hollick, Cutting, Priest, Fenton, Gallagher
Injuries: None

Norwood has kept its unbeaten streak alive defeating the Double Blues by 14-points at the Parade on Friday night.

In exhausting heat, the Redlegs were stunned early on as Sturt kicked the first two majors of the match inside the first ten minutes.

With gun midfielder Michele Reid ruled out late due to injury, the midfield had to step up as the Double Blues came with the intent to win the ball at every contest.

Former Crow Sophie Armitstead was busy early gathering a lot of the ball, as was Najwa Allen and Monique Hollick.

Former Basketball star, Jo Hill kicked the Redlegs first after marking strongly and making no mistake from 25 metres out.

With an extended break at quarter time due to the heat, Norwood came out ready in the second quarter as Hollick was at her best again kicking the Lady Legs second of the match.

However, Norwood’s defence was put under severe pressure by Sturt who replied instantly through Lauren Lovell.

Goals proved harder to come by in the second term, as the heat and pressure remained high.

The Redlegs went into the main break one-point down despite controlling a lot of the play in the second term.

A skilful goal from the ever consistent Kate Fenton gave the hosts the perfect start inside the first five minutes of the third term.

Norwood started to create chances however lacked that final polish in the final third of the ground.

With only four points separating the two sides heading into the final break, Norwood knew the result wasn’t going to come easy.

After Sturt dominated the opening four minutes of the final term, it was Emma Clarke who was able to find space to give the Redlegs a handy 10 point-lead.

Former Eastlake midfielder Najwa Allen all but sealed the victory as she goaled with under two minutes left on the clock.

The Lady Leg’s held firm to register their third win in a row, remaining equal top of the SANFLW Statewide ladder.

Former Crow Sophie Armitstead led the way for Norwood gathering 19-disposals including nine tackles, while Hollick was again at her best collecting 17 touches which included five marks and a goal.

The win pushes Norwood into second on the premiership ladder only separated by percentage with the first placed Bays.

The SANFLW Statewide Super League breaks for a bye this weekend, with Norwood’s next game set for 6:00pm, Friday, March 15 at X Convenience Oval.