SANFL 2006 ROUND 13: PORT ADELAIDE v NORWOOD

Redlegs wasteful

By PETER ARGENT

THE third quarter was what killed the Redlegs in the battle for the Williams-Gallagher Cup against Port on Sunday.

The Alberton Oval encounter ended up a 60-point victory to Port Adelaide and while Norwood is only a game out of the top five it is not playing the accomplished football it was earlier in the season.

“They jumped us early with four goals, but we got some control back later in the first and during the second terms,” Norwood assistant coach Mick Weatherald said.

“We didn't help our chances missing six easy set shots in the second term.

“Port just took the game away from us in the third term, especially in the square with Jeremy Clayton and James Meiklejohn in ruck.”

High in the Redlegs' best was Nick Duigan who had a interesting tussle with Clive Waterhouse, while wingman Gavin Hughes and half back Luke Crouch were strong performers all day.

Young big man Adam Cockshell showed some promise, although he was inaccurate kicking 3.4.

James Gallagher and Bryce Campbell with three goals were commendable as well.

The Norwood side will expect to win against cellar-dweller West in the early match of the Adelaide Oval double header this Saturday, and the road is tough from there.

The Legs endure the frustrations of a bye, then take on Central at home, pace-setters North Adelaide, followed by fellow finals aspirant Glenelg.

“We're getting plenty of the ball and our inside 50s are comparable to any team in the competition,” Weatherald said.

SCORES: Port Adelaide 5.2-32 8.5-53 15.8-98 20.10-130 defeated Norwood 2.3-15 5.8-38 6.9-45 10.10-70.

BEST: Port - Elstone, Clayton, De Pasquale, Slattery, Butcher, Kingsley; Norwood - Duigan, Cockshell, Zorzi, Crouch, Brunoli, Campbell.

GOALS: Port - M. Clayton 3, Waterhouse 3, Elstone 3, Slattery 2, J. Clayton 2, Dolling 2, Poulton, Ah Chee, King, Meiklejohn, Harry; Norwood - Campbell 3, Cockshell 3, Vlatko, Culpitt, Bartemucci, Jackman.