Norwood win thriller against the Eagles

NORWOOD has recorded its first win of the 2020 season after a nail-biting one-point win against the Eagles at Hisense Stadium last night.

Forward Lindsay Bigg produced a moment of magic with 50 seconds left on the clock to secure Norwood’s all-important first win under newly appointed head coach Chris Howie.

With the ball sent deep inside Norwood’s attacking 50m for one last scoring shot, the Eagles looked set to repel another forward foray until Bigg pounced.

Sensing her opportunity, the 25-year-old timed her run to perfection to intercept a lateral defensive pass from her Eagles opponent.

After taking the mark, Bigg played on before finishing on the run from 10m much to the delight of her team-mates, who joined in the celebration.

The Eagles led at every change as they soared to a 19-point lead at halftime.

Despite their efforts early, the Eagles were much cleaner in the opening half as Kiana Lee kicked three crucial goals to give the Woodville fans something to cheer about.

The Redlegs could only manage one goal in the first half, however, the momentum shifted in the Premiership quarter as Jo Hill kicked back to back goals to give the Legs some life heading into the final quarter.

Norwood had several opportunities to take the lead, however, were inaccurate booting four points in a row.

With the ball locked in Norwood’s forward 50 it was repelled time and time again by the Eagles defence, however, with 50 seconds to go, it was Bigg who popped up to hand the Legs their first win of the 2020 Season.

Northern Territory recruit Mattea Breed impressed in her Statewide Super League debut for the Redlegs, earning a team-high 21 disposals while also registering five tackles and four clearances.

Vice-captain Sophie Armitstead had 16 possessions while speedy Matilda Zander collected 15 and ruck Leah Cutting 13 to go with her 23 hit outs and six tackles.

Last night’s win is the biggest comeback trailing at 3/4 time (9pts) in SANFLW History.

Scoreboard:
Norwood: 0.0 1.2 3.2 4.6 (30)
Eagles: 2.2 4.3 4.5 4.5 (29)
Goalkickers: Hill 3, Bigg
Best: Armitstead, Smith, Cutting, Breed, Van Riel, Sporn
Venue: Hisense Stadium

Photo Credit – SANFL