The Norwood Flames led from start to finish in the 2009 Central ABL Men’s Grand Final, overpowering Sturt 94-84.

Andrew Webber hit a three just 16 seconds into the game, and when he hit another just three minutes later, signs were ominous that he was headed for a game reminiscent of 2008. It was not to be, however, as the Sabres did a good job of getting a hand up to many of his later attempts, but with Todd Matthews and Keith Krause also scoring from the perimeter in the first quarter and Sturt shooting an uncustomary low percentage, the Sabres headed into the first break down by 8.

Dan Thompson demonstrated his versatility early in the second quarter, scoring from inside the key and in the short corner, and when the lead extended to 13, things were not going to script. Jacob Holmes was drawing lots of attention but managed to feed Sturt’s captain Dave Bowley for consecutive baskets inside the key, and when Holmes scored himself and Maynard followed, the lead was back to 5. Even so, Holmes and Darren Ng were finding it increasingly harder to get open, and Sturt were struggling for open shots. Keith Krause converted a rare four point play and helped Norwood to a 9 point lead at half time.

The third quarter was high scoring at both ends, with neither team gaining any sort of ascendency. Norwood was missing from the perimeter but Dan Thompson was finishing off inside. Sturt too was missing three pointers but Holmes, Bowley and Todd Gower were converting. At ¾ time, Sturt was down 11, but the game was well and truly alive.

Andrew Webber and Krause hit early threes in the fourth, and for the first time, an upset looked probably. Two baskets from Darren Ng sandwiched a Tom Daly floater inside the key, and with 2:41 remaining, the lead was back to 8 and not out of reach. The game then became a free throw procession and two offensive rebounds in the last 90 seconds from Dan Thompson sealed the result for Norwood.

Todd Matthews did a great job of controlling the tempo of the game, and with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals, was rewarded with the game MVP. Andrew Webber finished with 19 points and Norwood captain Keith Krause added 18.

For Sturt, Holmes had 21 points and 24 rebounds, an effort that was all that more significant given his Boomers and 36ers workload in recent weeks. Darren Ng had 18 and Tom Daly 16.

On the 10th anniversary of its club’s 1999 premiership (and with most members of that team in attendance), Norwood cemented itself as the premier team of the decade, with its third consecutive grand final appearance and 2nd consecutive premiership.