Novita SANFL Wheelchair League Round 8 Match Wraps

By JORDAN ROUTLEY

Norwood 20.5.(125) def Central District 4.6.(30)

Norwood flexed its muscles and gained a crucial percentage boost with a commanding 95-point win over Central District on Friday night.

After seeing off an early challenge from the Bulldogs, Norwood cruised to victory with 12 goals to one in the second half with a polished and cohesive performance.

Former Bulldog Jamie Smyth was again the star of the show for Norwood, scoring 13 goals from 30 disposals and 25 marks as he showcased his skills and accuracy with several impressive goals from long range.

Not to be outdone, skipper Grant Leonard also played an important role ahead of the footy to score six goals from 28 disposals, with his blocking and decoy leads setting up several opportunities for Smyth.

Rick Leonard enjoyed a stellar game in the centre, tallying 37 disposals, 28 marks and eight forward entries to have a huge impact around the court for the Redlegs.

Richard Davis also played a terrific game in defence, finishing with 21 disposals and 13 marks as he worked tirelessly to clear Norwood from danger on numerous occasions.

Chris Simpson (18 disposals, 11 marks) offered important rebound from defence and launched countless attacks that led to scoring opportunities, while Nathan Simpson (14 disposals) had some important moments at the back.

Central District skipper Shaun Whitbread again led the way for his team with a valiant effort in the centre, gathering 32 disposals, seven clearances and 10 forward entries before moving into attack in the last term.

Stewart Webster was the main threat in the forward line for the Doggies, scoring all four of their goals as he took some impressive marks despite often being double-teamed by the Norwood defence.

Jason Tippins spent time in the forward line and in the centre, where he competed strongly in the last quarter to win some quality taps in the ruck.

Meanwhile, James Barker and Henry de Cure worked overtime in a defence that was often under siege and held up with some good blocking and spoiling.

Woodville-West Torrens 20.7.(127) def West Adelaide 3.6.(24)

Woodville-West Torrens continued its unbeaten run with a comprehensive 103-point victory over West Adelaide at The Lights Community and Sports Centre on Friday night.

Getting off to a flying start in which they scored the first three goals within 90 seconds, the Eagles never looked back as their quick ball movement and precise passing were on full display.

Eagles’ star Adam Roocke enjoyed another dominant performance in the centre, racking up 50 disposals, 18 hit-outs, seven clearances and 16 forward entries to have a profound influence on the match.

Roocke even moved forward in the last quarter and snared three goals as his pace and skill with the ball in hand proved almost impossible for the Bloods’ defenders to stop.

Captain Trevor Jarrett feasted on the glut of forward opportunities to score 11 goals from 25 disposals and 14 marks, while Steve Edge chipped in with four goals from 13 disposals and Isobella Nitschke contributed two majors.

Young gun Cooper Spillane (15 disposals, nine hitouts, six forward entries) spent most of his time on court in defence before moving into the centre in the last term and acquitting himself well with some impressive ruck taps.

Soraj Habib was at his dynamic best in the backline and offered some potent rebound with his 14 disposals and 10 forward entries, while Wayne Hale was diligent in defence and showed great composure with each of his 18 disposals.

West Adelaide player-coach Giang Dahn split his time between defence and centre in another tireless effort for the Bloods, collecting 36 disposals, 26 marks and eight forward entries.

Tony Wade fought valiantly in the centre despite giving away significant height to his opponent in the ruck duels, amassing 29 disposals and 19 marks as he worked hard to offer crucial support in defence.

Hallam Chitty did the bulk of the damage for the Bloods in attack, scoring all three of their goals among 20 disposals and 13 marks as he competed strongly in attack and worked up the court as well.

Jake Bilsborow made a welcome return to the line-up and was stationed in defence for most of the evening, where he held up well under pressure to accumulate 20 disposals and 17 marks.