Norwood’s SANFL Wheelchair season off to winning start

Norwood’s SANFL Wheelchair Football League season is off to the perfect start, with a 16-point win over Central District at The Lights Community and Sports Centre on Friday night.

It was a great win for the Redlegs, who seem a much improved side from 2023. They managed to secure a 11.9-75 to 9.5-59 victory over a strong, fast and skillful opponent in the Bulldogs.

Norwood played a fantastic team game with everyone playing their part, and managed to lead for the entire match to run out winners in Round 1.

Rick Leonard won the ruck contest which gave off-season recruit Chris Simpson a free run to deliver the ball to Grant Leonard in the forward line. Captain, Leonard scored seven goals for the game, and was a huge figure in the new-look Redlegs team.

The other four goals went to Wayne McNamara and Michael Neroni with two each.

Norwood coach David Gould gave a special mention to the team’s defensive group, which was on top all night, able to keep the Bulldogs forwards under control.

Central scored a couple of goals late in the last quarter to close the gap on the scoreline.

Gould said it was “overall a very pleasing win”.

Norwood take on Sturt in Round 2 this Friday, May 24 from 8pm at The Lights Community and Sports Centre.

The Double Blues suffered a 62-point loss to a strong Woodville-West Torrens side in Round 1.

Norwood 11.9-75

Centrals   9. 5-59

Goals: Leonard 7, McNamara 2, Neroni 2