Norwood defeat Sturt in Friday night thriller

NORWOOD has recorded back-to-back wins for the first time in 2021 after a thrilling two-point victory over Sturt on Friday night.

With both sides eager to impress after claiming maiden victories the week before, Norwood started the match on top with their ability to spread from stoppage and dominate field position.

As the clock approached the ten-minute mark, vice-captain Elisha Gallagher marked strongly for Norwood 35-metres out from goal directly in front.

Gallagher made no mistake to give Norwood the lead early in the contest.

The second quarter saw Sturt register their first goal of the contest through Chloe Forby inside the first two minutes of play.

From there, the visitors started to control the match, as they continued to mount pressure on Norwood’s back six through several inside 50 entries.

Fortunately for the Redlegs they held firm as the scores were even at the main break.

The Premiership quarter again saw Sturt hit the scoreboard early as Amy Brooks-Birve carefully nursed in her set shot to give the Double Blues a six-point lead.

The intensity of the match lifted soon after that as six minutes after the Redlegs went coast to coast as midfielder Jess Macolino kicked a long ball into the path of Mattea Breed who was able to find space and run in from point black range to reduce the deficit to only two points.

On the stroke of three-quarter time Macolino was again able to register another assist as her penetrating kick found the hands of Elizabeth Drake who struck the ball well which saw it roll home to give Norwood a four-point advantage.

Neither team managed a major in the final quarter, ensuring Drake’s goal late in the third term for the hosts would be enough to land the premiership points.

Morgan Johnston and Jessica Macolino each chalked up 16 possessions for Norwood while Gallagher had 14 to add to her opening goal in the first quarter.

The Redlegs now host the undefeated North Adelaide Football Club in Round 4 at Coopers Stadium.

SCOREBOARD:

NORWOOD: 1.1 1.1 3.1 3.2 (20)

STURT: 0.1 1.1 2.3 2.6 (18)

GOALS: Breed, Drake, Gallagher

BEST: Johnston, Halfpenny, Gould, Schwerdt, Davies, Armitstead

Ellen Maple Medal – Lana Schwerdt