By Benito Carbone (@_DavidCarbone)

Norwood Flames 65 | Woodville Warriors 34

A rather cagey affair at St Clair on Saturday Night saw the unstoppable Norwood Flames record their tenth-consecutive victory with a comfortable 31-point win over the Woodville Warriors. The success was built off the back of a host of contributors with Stabile, Good and Ortlepp scoring 14, 13 and 11 points respectively. For the hosts, Porplycia had 11 points and 10 boards but had no support as the side shot at a meagre 17% and lost the rebound count 40-62.

Despite an early 6-2 lead for Woodville, it was the Flames who started the better side with an unanswered 9 point run, highlighted by a Jess Foley triple and a handful of Ortlepp free-throws, caused by her persistent intent to attack the basket and make Woodville’s defence work. This run gave the visitors a 5-point lead and from there the league-leaders protected their lead to reach quarter-time up 17-10.

Both sides continued to waste their chances in the second term as the sides combined for just 21 points. Foley (9 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 points) used her height to her advantage, shooting a maximum over her opponent’s head to worsen the Warriors’ pain. Jess Good (13 points, 13 rebounds, 5 steals) brought up the highlight of the match soon after as the captain rejected Von Einem’s jumper before stealing the ball off Troia to then beautifully lay off a cross-court dime to Stabile. This skilful move helped the Flames to an 18-30 lead at the break.

Woodville were struggling for inspiration without star Tavarsha Scott, who spent long periods languishing on the sidelines with a leg injury sustained early on. This was clearly evident in the third term as the side managed just 5 points, much to the frustration of Warriors fans in the arena. Seeking a 10-game unbeaten start to the season, Norwood were not much better but managed to build a 23-point lead at the end of the third.

The match fast became a procession, as Taylor Ortlepp sunk a triple and then another from just inside the arc to continue the feast and ultimately lead her side to a commanding victory. The triumph sees Norwood continue to prove their label as title favourites ahead of the massive game against fellow powerhouses, Southern. Contrastingly, the Warriors are now 4-6 and are desperate to halt their slide, beginning at Hillcrest next week.

Round 11: Saturday, 28 May

Southern Tigers V Norwood Flames @ Mars at 6.30pm

Woodville Warriors V North Adelaide Rockets @ Hillcrest at 8.15pm