Game Review by James Woite

In a thrilling encounter at Mars , Norwood exploited Forestville's lack of height to claim a 73-64 victory. Jess Foley, despite going off injured twice, had 24 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals, as the Flames got one over the reigning premiers. Kelsey Ireland tried her heart out for the Eagles, finishing with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals, before fouling out with 1.21 to go.

The first half was extremely tight and low-scoring. Norwood led for the most part, but some great play from Jess Mahony late in the quarter, and an Ireland three on the brink of half-time meant the Flames would lead by just one point at the interval.

Norwood played a zone defence throughout the second half which really stagnated Forestville's offence, limiting them to jump shots. A Jamie-Lee Bow airball early in the quarter was a sign of things to come for the Eagles, as the Flames took control of the game. Norwood Centre Rachel Herrick was a handful for the Eagles. Herrick literally spent the second half in the paint, much to the frustration of the Forestville faithful. Herrick finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds, and spent the entire second half on the floor.

Despite their lack of height and inability to quell Norwood's zone, Forestville were arguably the better team in the third quarter. Led by Ireland and Mia Newley (19 points, 10 rebounds, 6 steals), the Eagles pressured the Flames into numerous turnovers and looked the more likely to break the game open, but unfortunately, they were unable to convert at the other end. Getting to the foul-line regularly, Norwood led 57-48 at the end of the third quarter, a scoreline which by no means reflected the difference in the game.

Jess Mahony's three point play to begin the fourth ignited a purple patch for Forestville, where the Eagles finally began to get some shots to go. The Eagles had the momentum, forcing Norwood into several turnovers, before Ireland knocked down another three to reduce the gap to one point with 7.10 to go. There would be no score for the next minute and a half, with the Eagles missing several wide open shots which would have given them the lead. Eventually, the missed shots took their toll, and with Jess Foley back in the game and red hot from the foul-line, the Flames settled. When Ireland fouled out with 1.21 to go and the Eagles down five, an Eagles win looked a long shot. However, the Eagles forced a steal on the following possession, giving them one last chance. A well-executed play left Newley with an open lay-up, which would have cut the gap to three, only for the Eagles star forward to miss the vital shot. From there, the Flames made their free throws, and won a thrilling contest.

Norwood's win puts them equal third with West, who lost to lowly Southern at home. The Bearcats loss ensures Forestville remain in second with the two teams going head to head at Wayville next week.