Novita SANFL Wheelchair League Round 6 Match Wraps

By JORDAN ROUTLEY

Norwood 19.2.(116) def West Adelaide 7.7.(49)

Norwood consolidated its position inside the Novita SANFL Wheelchair League top two with a comfortable 67-point victory over West Adelaide on Friday night.

West Adelaide were up for the fight early, trailing by just 12 points at the first break before the Redlegs put the foot down with 10 goals to two across the second and third terms.

While the Bloods’ endeavour could not be questioned, Norwood’s extra skill and precision with the ball proved telling, evidenced by its disposal efficiency rate of 85% compared to West’s 65%.

Norwood also benefited from pinpoint accuracy in front of goal, registering an incredible 19.2 to the Bloods’ 7.7 as they made the most of their chances up front.

Former Bulldog forward Jamie Smyth was in fine form in attack, scoring 10 goals without a blemish as he worked through some heavy attention to collect 25 disposals and 20 marks.

Captain Grant Leonard also played his part, scoring nine goals from 20 disposals and taking some impressive one-on-one marks in the forward zone.

Chris Simpson was seemingly everywhere in defence for Norwood in collecting 39 disposals and 13 forward entries, with his speed and work rate up the court setting up numerous attacking forays for the Redlegs.

Darren Schultz spent most of the game in the centre and amassed 26 disposals and 11 hit-outs, featuring prominently with his clean passing into attack.

Richard Davis (19 disposals) was solid in defence and often cleared the danger for Norwood, while Nathan Simpson also had some important moments down back.

For West Adelaide, Hallam Chitty (26 disposals and three goals) had an impact early in attack and competed strongly at the ball-ups with seven clearances.

Player/coach Giang Danh once again spent time in attack and defence for the Bloods to tally 25 disposals and three goals, while Darren Mysko (21 disposals) worked hard in the centre and made some important blocks in defence.

Jake Bilsborow used the ball nicely with his 17 disposals in defence, while Fabio Savoia provided a rare highlight for the Bloods with a cracking goal in the third quarter.

Woodville-West Torrens 16.6.(102) def Central District 7.6.(48)

Woodville-West Torrens saw off a determined Central District outfit to claim a 54-point victory that keeps it atop the Novita SANFL Wheelchair League ladder.

After losing by 82 points in its previous encounter with the Eagles, Central came out firing in the first term to score five goals and lead by six points at the first break.

However, the defending premiers soon kicked into gear and assumed control of the contest after quarter time, scoring 13 goals to three as their offence got to work.

Adam Roocke again played a starring role for the Eagles, tallying 51 disposals, 34 marks, 10 clearances and 15 forward entries as his attacking passes opened up the Central defence on countless occasions.

Trevor Jarrett was almost unstoppable up forward and finished with 12 goals from 24 disposals, with his height and marking prowess creating issues for the Bulldogs’ backline.

Forward line partner Steve Edge also chipped in with four goals and continually found pockets of space to amass 13 disposals and nine marks.

Wayne Hale played a key role in defence, distributing the ball superbly with his 31 disposals and 27 marks while also restricting Stewart Webster with great effect.

Meanwhile, Soraj Habib (26 disposals and nine forward entries) was a dangerous playmaker for the Eagles across the backline with his line-breaking speed and attacking ball use.

Bulldogs captain Shaun Whitbread played as a permanent forward for his side and worked hard up the court to collect 30 disposals, five clearances, 10 forward entries and three goals in a tireless effort.

Stewart Webster fought through some close attention to score four goals from 18 disposals and 15 marks, while Jason Tippins was productive in the centre with 21 disposals and 13 hit-outs.

James Barker fought strongly against the taller Trevor Jarrett and won some key contests, while Henry de Cure was moved into defence and made some good blocks.