SANFL Wheelchair League Round 4 Match Wraps

By JORDAN ROUTLEY

Norwood 7.3.(45) def by Woodville-West Torrens 19.7.(121)

 Woodville-West Torrens continued their climb back up the SANFL Wheelchair League ladder with a comprehensive 76-point win over Norwood at The ARC Campbelltown on Friday night.

With their full complement of players back in action following a slow start to the year, the Eagles controlled proceedings throughout as they looked a class above last year’s grand final opponents.

Feasting on opportunities in the front half, Eagles captain Trevor Jarrett enjoyed a superb game in front of the sticks, scoring 14 goals from 29 disposals and 24 marks as he regularly used his height and positioning to his advantage.

Young gun Cooper Spillane made an impact in his first game of the season, slotting straight into the ruck and picking up 39 disposals, 20 hit outs, 25 marks and 12 forward entries in a commanding display.

Adam Roocke was at his damaging best playing predominantly in defence, continually moving the ball forward with his 39 possessions, 16 clearances and 14 forward entries.

Wayne Hale (10 disposals and eight marks) produced a terrific effort down back and made some critical intercepts against the Redlegs’ dangerous forwards, while Soraj Habib (14 disposals) showed his customary composure and precision with ball in hand.

Steve Edge (12 disposals, eight marks and three goals) had some positive moments and made an impact when required, while Simon Albury made full use of his limited minutes with two quick goals in the last term.

On a lean night for the Redlegs, Jamie Smyth provided the highlight of the game with a stunning pass over his head while facing the boundary line that bounced at right angles and through the big sticks.

Smyth also nailed a long-range set shot among his four goals as he provided some spark in attack as the main threat.

Darren Schultz (20 disposals, nine marks and seven forward entries) worked tirelessly throughout as he split his time between ruck and defence.

Rick Leonard (16 touches, 11 marks and nine hit outs) also fought hard against tough opposition in the ruck and pushed forward to score a goal late in the contest.

Skipper Grant Leonard (two goals) overcame some strong Eagles defensive work to have an impact, while Richard Davis (nine disposals) and Luke Manhire (seven touches) had important moments down back.

West Adelaide 0.0.(0) def by Central District 13.10.(88)

 Central District extended their lead atop the SANFL Wheelchair League ladder with a dominant 88-point victory over West Adelaide at The ARC Campbelltown on Friday night.

A blistering six-goal second term put the game beyond doubt by half time as the Bulldogs cruised to their fourth consecutive win to start the season.

While the Dogs’ ball movement featured prominently again, their defence was similarly effective, keeping the Bloods scoreless from 23 forward entries as they continually thwarted any attacking forays.

Shaun Whitbread was everywhere across the backline for Central, collecting 39 disposals, 14 marks, seven clearances and 19 forward entries before moving forward late to snare two goals as well.

Star recruit Jay Dohnt also enjoyed a stellar performance in attack, finishing with four goals from 29 disposals and 12 marks as he proved a constant threat.

Stewart Webster (19 disposals, 15 marks and four goals) played a starring role up front, using his size and strength to claim several impressive-contested marks.

Darren Peters (17 possessions and 11 marks) fought strongly in the ruck and showed his versatility by rotating through the forward line to score a classy goal.

Jack Webster (10 touches and two goals) split his time between defence and attack and displayed his smarts around goal, while Lloyd Banwell (10 disposals) was typically reliable with several important intercepts.

Daniel Matthews (12 disposals) offered some crucial ruck relief throughout the night, while debutant Brodie Kelly provided some spark around the ball.

On another difficult night for West Adelaide, captain Jake Bilsborow (36 disposals and 26 marks) held up strongly in a defence often under siege, as he repeatedly repelled the Bloods from danger.

Hallam Chitty (35 disposals, 24 marks and eight hit outs) fought valiantly in the ruck and worked hard to provide crucial cover in defence.

Former Bulldog Henry de Cure (27 possessions and 16 marks) also had some key moments that halted the Bulldogs’ attack.