WOMEN’S REPORT – by CHRIS LOVELL
NEW NORFOLK v SORELL
THE Lady Eagles travelled to Pembroke Park last Saturday for their first encounter of the 2026 season, against Sorell. New Norfolk had a new look with debutants Maddie Robertson (ex Clarence), Madison Shaw (Launceston), Ruby Rainbird and Lucy Gleeson (NNJFC) and Jordynn Hepburn making their debut for the club.
The conditions weren’t conducive to good football, with blustery wind making scoring difficult. The first quarter was an even contest with both teams finding their feet in the trying conditions. Both had opportunities to score, and recorded a goal each. New Norfolk held a slender 1-point lead at the first change: New Norfolk 1.2 (8) to Sorell 1.1 (7).
With the aid of the flukey breeze, New Norfolk began to get their flow on game going and ramped up the pressure in the second quarter, to pile on four goals. The forwards, led by Tiarna Ford and Ellie Henricks, were supremely accurate, kicking four straight goals. The backline held Sorell scoreless to hold a strong 25-point lead at the main break. Half-time scores: New Norfolk 5.2 (32) to Sorell 1.1 (7).
Sorell had the aid of the breeze in the third term, but the New Norfolk defence, led by Ashlee Harwood, was well up to the task. They held Sorell to two behinds for the term. Followers Sophie Farrow and Ruby Rainbird were giving the forwards some opportunities, but they could also only add two behinds for the term. New Norfolk maintained their strong 25-point advantage at three quarter time: New Norfolk 5.4 (34) to Sorell 1.3 (9).
New Norfolk had the advantage of the flukey breeze in the last quarter. They took complete advantage of the conditions and outplayed Sorell. The extremely accurate New Norfolk scored four straight goals while holding Sorell to one behind to run out strong 49-point winners in their first outing for 2026.
New Norfolk was well served by experienced coach Zoie Crawford and captain Sophie Farrow. Ashley Harwood played well across the backline. Follower Ruby Rainbird played a strong hand in the ruck and midfielder Chloe Ford gave forwards. Tiarna Ford and Maddison Robertson plenty of opportunities. The debutantes played well, and with the other new recruits yet to debut, have given the team added depth. It looks like it is going to be another promising season for the Lady Eagles.
Final Scores
New Norfolk 9.4 (58)
Sorell 1.3 (9)
Best – New Norfolk: Ashley Harwood, Sophie Farrow, Ruby Rainbird, Maddison Robertson, Chloe Ford, Tiarna Ford; Sorell: H. Hart, M. Tapp, R. Scott, S. Birch, B. Nordstrom, T. Clark.
Goals – New Norfolk: Tirna Ford 3, Ellie Henricks 2, Zoie Crawford, Amber Rainbird, Madison Shaw, Maddi Krause; Sorell: O. Hudson.
New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News is a sponsor of the New Norfolk District Football Club.
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