SANFL 2006 ROUND 12: NORWOOD v WOODVILLE-WEST TORRENS

Simple misses cost Redlegs

By PETER ARGENT

BRETT James' testimonial match is not a performance he or his side would like to remember quickly.

Despite working hard to get back into the contest in the middle quarter, Norwood capitulated early in last to give the Eagles a 21-point win.

A high possession game early, in an explosive first term, Norwood answered the Eagles opening three goals promptly.

Then the Woodville-West Torrens side slotted through four majors while the Redlegs could only sneak one in before the first break.

This Norwood side showed plenty of fight, defended stoutly against the relentless Eagles early in the second term. Just when it seemed they were about to be overwhelmed, they gained some rebound and kicked two quick goals. Only the frustration with the umpires saw the Redlegs concede a late major in this term.

While Norwood did most of the attacking during the third term, they only kicked two goals. Veteran Scott Carslake found the big whites at the seven minute mark, then Adam Cockshell kicked one from close range at the 23-minute mark after some fine work from Nick Lower.

“We missed four easy shots in the third term, which proved critical.” coach Trevor Hill said.

Unable to match the Eagles class in the last term, the Redlegs' opponents started the term with four quick goals to ensure the victory. Norwood pegged a couple back late to gain a bit more respectability on the scoreboard, but when they game was to be won, they didn't have the answers.

“Terms two and three were reflective of the year, but disappointing disposals detracts from the hard work we've done,’’ Hill said.

“At times we really matched it with them.

“Until we start beating sides like the Eagles, we can only be perceived as mediocre.''

Heath Culpitt was outstanding around the ball for the first three terms for Norwood; both young guns Gavin Hughes and Matthew Thomas were impressive, while Scott Borlace had a number of possessions, without using them to the best effect.

Playing just his sixth game Nick Duigan was given a big task on Mark Passador. After conceding two early goals, he only let the Eagles forward kick one more in a disciplined display at full back.

Tall forward Adam Cockshell had his moments, finishing with two majors.

Norwood mush find more consistency if they wish to match it with the top tier sides.

They have another tough match against Port at Alberton this Sunday.

SCORES: Woodville-West Torrens 7.1 9.4 9.9 14.13 (97) defeated Norwood 4.2 6.5 8.9 11.10 (76).

BEST: Eagles - P.Lindsay, Inkster, P.Fiacchi, Hall, Grocke, McKenzie, Colville, Cicolella; Norwood - Hughes, Thomas, Culpitt, Bown, Duigan, Borlace.

GOALS: Eagles - Passador, Grocke 3, Cicolella, Inkster 2, Colville, Vandeleur, Jarrad, Pedler; Norwood - Cockshell 2, Borlace, Gallagher, Bartemucci, Culpitt, Bown, Carslake, Campbell, Sandery, Vassal.