Men's Game Review - Norwood v Forestville

Todd Matthews

Game Review by James Woite.

An inspirational performance from Norwood guard Todd Matthews has led the Norwood Flames to an 80-71 victory over Forestville at Mars. Although Matthews' statistics of 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists are by no means spectacular, the Flames star made several huge plays at crucial stages of the game as Norwood secured their fourth straight victory over Forestville.

Both teams started out very physical, which set the tone for the game. Despite the return of Harri Harvey from the United States, the Eagles retained their starting backcourt of Adam Doyle and Brad Sullivan. In the early going, it was Norwood with the ascendancy, jumping out to a 5-1 lead after the first 3 minutes. The Eagles were finding it tough early, in particular star import Riley Luettgerodt, with the league's leading scorer not finding the bottom of the net until 3.38 to go in the quarter. Still, the Flames were unable to build any sort of lead, with Nick Blair's last second tip-in levelling the scores at 15-15.

Blair began the second quarter as he finished the first as the Eagles took their first lead of the game. The Eagles were doing it tough, with Luettgerodt still struggling under the immense pressure from Flames forward Sam Grantham (16 points, 2 blocks), whilst Norwood centre David Cooper (22 points, 12 boards) dominated the paint in the absence of Luke Hoban. However, the injection of Harri Harvey into the game with 7.45 to go in the half provided Forestville with instant success, his three pointer tying the game once again at 27-27. With neither team able to gain any sort of momentum, Todd Matthews stepped up to provide the play of the game. Matthews hit the ground hard after missing on a hard drive, before somehow grabbing the rebound amongst two Forestville players. Thankfully for the Eagles, they got a stop on the following possession, only for Matthews to this time rise up over the top of the pack to haul in an athletic rebound. To complete an amazing twenty seconds, Matthews then fired up a three of his own which sailed through the net, giving the Flames a 30-29 lead. This was the same margin Norwood would take into half-time.

Early in the third, Luettgerodt appeared to have found his rhythm, scoring the Eagles' first five points of the quarter. However, Sam Grantham got going at the other end, knocking down a three pointer en route to the game's next seven points and a 49-42 Norwood lead. With Matthews continuing his outstanding hustle at both ends and Andrew Webber starting to get into the game, the Flames began to take control of the game, forcing Forestville Coach Andy Simons into a timeout with Norwood leading 54-45 with 3.53 to go in the quarter. Luettgerodt was substituted immediately following the timeout, which led to Forestville playing some of their best basketball of the game. With less than a minute to go in the quarter, another Harvey three pointer had reduced the gap to three, and by three quarter-time, it was anyone's game, with Norwood leading 61-56.

Forestville began the fourth as they finished the third; a Nick Blair three pointer cutting the gap to two. However, despite opportunities to tie the game or take the lead, it was as close as the Eagles would get all quarter. With Norwood up 69-60 and just over five minutes to go, a Todd Matthews steal and layup pushed the lead out to double figures and a Norwood victory seemed assured. But Forestville still had one run in them, and got back into the game following the substitution of Matthews. Following back to back threes from Brad Sullivan, who had had a terrible night until then, the Flames were suddenly under pressure again. However, the re-introduction of Matthews steadied the ship, and his three-pointer with three minutes to go pushed the lead back out to seven, and the Flames held on to score a fantastic win.

Norwood's victory sees them jump to third, whilst Forestville are now in a tie for fourth following North's upset win against Sturt. For Norwood, this was their best result against top-class opposition this season, and after an indifferent start, with this win they may have just turned the corner. For Forestville, they can take a lot out of this result, knowing they have again matched the reigning champs for much of the game, despite being undermanned. Luke Hoban is out with injury, Harri Harvey just played his first game of the season, and Doug MacDonald-Taylor is still recovering following his earlier injury, so there is much upside for the Eagles. However, with West Adelaide at home next week, the games aren't getting any easier.


 




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Turn your favourite sports memories into

A FREE NFT!

Use code: GAMEDAY

GameDay Splash Screen