THE Lady Eagles returned to their home turf at Boyer Oval on Saturday to take on University after losses to Hutchins and The Port Women in the previous two games. New Norfolk was were keen to get back on the winners list, but University was also keen to close the gap, being only two points behind the Eagles
on the ladder in fifth position.
New Norfolk welcomed the return of Tiarna Ford, Maddison Robertson, Sidonie Skelly and Ashley Harwood to the team and the scene was set for an entertaining encounter. Play began at 10am in fine and sunny conditions that were conducive for good football. The first five minutes was a battle of the backlines and play was scrambly as both sides were trying to gain an advantage. At the 9-minute mark University scored the first goal of the match to take a six-point lead. The Eagles struck back through goals to coach Zoie Crawford and Tiarna Ford to lead by six points at the first change: New Norfolk 2.0 (12) points to University 1.0 (6).
The second quarter saw the Eagles in attack for long periods of play. Goals to Tiarna Ford at the five-minute mark and Jordynn Hepburn at the seven-minute mark gave the Eagles a good 18-point lead. A handball from coach Zoie Crawford to Tiarna Ford in the goal square gave the Eagles a 25-point break before a University goal 30
seconds before the siren reduced the margin to 19 points at the main break. New Norfolk dominated the quarter and should have led by more on the scoreboard. Prominent for the Eagles were Ruby Rainbird, Sidonie Skelly and Ellie Henricks. Half-time scores: New Norfolk 5.1 (31) to University 2.0 (12).
The third quarter opened with the Eagles again attacking consistently but they could only manage two behinds. University scored the first goal of the quarter at the 11-minute mark before the game became a battle of the backlines. The Eagle defence led by Maddison Robertson was holding up well until University again scored a
goal in the final minute of play to reduce the margin to seven points a three-quarter time: New Norfolk 5.3 (33) to University 4.2 (26). The scene was set for a great last quarter.
The final quarter was an epic battle as both sides strived to gain the four points. The Eagles scored the first behind of the quarter as play was very tight for significant periods. A goal to coach Crawford at the 15-minute mark steadied the ship before another goal to University reduced the margin to eight points at the final siren. New Norfolk always looked to be the better side on the day, but University kept coming back with late goals in to remain in the hunt.
In the final analysis, the Eagles would be glad to get back on the winners list, but University certainly made them work for the victory. Coach Zoie Crawford was inspirational, bobbing up in defence when required and scoring goals or providing goal assists when required. She was well supported by Sophie Farrow, Ruby Rainbird, Ellie Henricks and Chloe Ford. The Eagles now have a week off before tackling the Huonville Lions at Boyer Oval on July 4.
Final Scores
New Norfolk 6.4 (40)
University 5.2 (32)
Best – New Norfolk: Ruby Rainbird, Sidonie Skelly, Ellie Henricks, Maddison Robertson, Chloe Ford, Sophie Farrow; University: M. Lack, H. Barrenger, V. Delpero, S. Ikin, A. Vandermeer, Z. Witkowski.
Goals – New Norfolk: Tiarna Ford 3, Zoie Crawford 2, Jordynn Hepburn; University: M. Lack 3, A. Chick, V. Delpero.
NEXT GAMES
Saturday, June 27: Competition bye
Saturday, July 4
Women v Huonville Lions at Boyer Oval at 9.30am
Reserves v Claremont at Abbotsfield Park at noon
Seniors v Claremont Abbotsfield Park at 2pm
New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News is a sponsor of the New Norfolk District Football Club.
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