THE Lady Eagles were on their home turf for the second week in a row when they faced their most difficult encounter to date against the Claremont Magpies last Saturday. The game was a clash between two undefeated teams and would leave one side a game clear on top of the ladder. Play began at noon in glorious sunny conditions.
There was a good crowd in attendance and the Eagles got away to a flying start with coach Zoie Crawford scoring their first major from a set shot. Tiarna Ford quickly followed up with a goal from a snap shot which gave the Eagles a two-goal break midway through the term. Claremont then got its game flowing and added two goals and two behinds, while holding the Eagles scoreless for the rest of the term, to hold a slender two-point lead at quarter time: Claremont 2.2 (14) to New Norfolk 2.0 (12).
The second quarter was a very physical contest with the Magpies really beginning to outmuscle the Eagles. They were much bigger and stronger than the home side and took control of the match, holding the Eagles scoreless while adding three goals and four behinds to extend their lead to 24 points at the main break. The Eagles failed to maintain their structures and would need to regroup and find a way to match their more physical opponents. Half-time scores were Claremont 5.6 (36) to New Norfolk 2.0 (12).
The Eagles came out full of fight in the third term and tried hard to match their bigger and stronger opponents. A great Madi Shaw snap from a pack gave them a boost that was followed by a team-lifting goal from a set shot by coach Crawford to give the Eagles a glimmer of hope and reduce the margin on the scoreboard. However, the Magpies steadied and continued to pepper the goals. Strong defence by the Eagles saw them pressure the Magpies as they scored one goal and five behinds to maintain a strong 23-point lead at the final change: Claremont 6.11 (47) to New Norfolk 4.0 (24).
The final quarter saw Claremont run away with the game as they piled on four goals and one behind, while holding the Eagles to two behinds, to score a comfortable 46-point victory. New Norfolk played two good quarters of football, while Claremont played four quarters of good pressure football. The Eagles worked hard all game but were no match on the day for the Magpies, who play a much more physical brand of football.
The Eagles now sit in fourth spot on the ladder only separated by percentage from second spot.They will travel to Huonville tomorrow (May 9) to play the Huonville Lions who are coming off a strong 36-point win over Sorell last week. This shapes as an even contest as results so far this season indicate that Huonville has improved this season. Let’s hope the Eagles can get back on the winners list and retain their spot in the top tier of the competition.
Scores: Claremont 10.12 (72) d New Norfolk 4.2 (26).
Best – New Norfolk: Maddison Robertson, Sidonie Skelly, Sophie Farrow, Jordynn Hepburn, Ruby Rainbird, Ellie Henricks. Goals – New Norfolk: Zoie Crawford 2, Tiana Ford, Madison Shaw.
New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News is a sponsor of the New Norfolk District Football Club.
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