A cool, overcast day greeted the teams as they strode out onto Mullum Reserve for Rd 5 EFL action, Lilydale attempting an unlikely away win, Norwood keen to further their lofty 2012 ambitions and consolidate a spot in the top 5. The first quarter began slowly, with neither side making much impact on the scoreboard. A lovely snap by Paul Maskaant, a quick kick from Kroussor and a lovely mark and playon from Skayve Johnson earned us 3 goals, while Lilydale wasted several good opportunites to register just one goal for the quarter. We led 3.1 - 1.3 but it seemed much closer.
Really, the less said about the 2nd quarter the better. Neither side looked like troubling the scoreboard, and the band of Norwood supporters were talking distractedly about all sorts of non-Norwood related stuff, such was the lack of appeal of the game itself. Lilydale went coast-to-coast for a goal, but that was the only major of the quarter, and at half time we led 3.3 - 2.3 and it seemed like about 7 goals would win this game easily.
For unknown reasons, the game opened up entirely in the 3rd quarter. Goals to Curtis Dunne, Nick Nagel, Jake Ford (with a ripping piece of "front and square roving") took us out to a 4 goal lead. Lilydale responded with 4 goals of their own, but we added further goals to Skayve - playing a super game across half-forward, Kroussor nailed his 2nd and Brenter also scored, so we went to the last change with a healthy 20pt lead, 9.5 - 6.3.
The last quarter saw Norwood consolidate their lead, vanquishing the opposition as a good side does. We slammed on 3 goals, with Skayve and Kroussor both scoring their 3rd individual goals, while Clayts finished with class to send the lead out to 38 pts. The game closed down in the latter minutes as both sides saw the inevitability of the home win. The final margin of 32 points, 12.6.78 - 7.4.46 was a fair indication of Norwoods superiority on the day.
Skaye Johnson was a clear BOG for the day, while Monky Wynn continued his stellar start to the season with another fine "ruck-all-day" display. Kroussor put in definitely his best game with a lively display across half forward and 3 timely goals, while Curtis Dunne showed plenty as well. The usual solid contributions came from Ev, Brenter and the ever-reliable Stuey Hill at full back (quelling the dangerous Dan Breeze), while Jake Ford and Clayts provided the grunt. Hayden Jurey also played his best game for the season, marking strongly across half-back.
This was a meritorious win for the Norwood boys, missing a host of seasoned senior players including Matt McCormack, Edgy, 'Big' John Holmes, while Scotty Day also remains on the injury list. We currently sit 3rd on the ladder with a healthy 4-1 win/loss ratio, and now a very interesting short trip to a resurgent East Ringwood looms. This should be another great contest and a further test of our 2012 aspirations. In other games, the 2nds and Colts recorded strong wins to enhance their positions.....
Go Wooders
Last Modified on 04/06/2012 16:59