THE Lady Eagles booked themselves into a semi-final showdown with Hutchins following an impressive 30-point victory over University in last Saturday’s elimination final. They travelled to Pembroke Park to face University and started favourites on the back of a great 65-point victory over University the last time the two teams met in Round 14 on University’s home turf.
The game began at 10am in cold and overcast conditions at Sorell, with a slight breeze blowing across the ground. The Eagles attacked immediately from the opening bounce with coach Zoie Crawford driving them deep into attack. Play was concentrated in the Eagles’ forward line as they were well on top of their opponents.
Tiarna Ford scored the first goal for the Lady Eagles at the nine-minute mark of the quarter. The Eagle backline held University scoreless for the quarter. Zoie Crawford was in everything and Chloe Ford and Ellie Henricks were working hard to keep the ball in the Eagles’ forward line. Quarter time scores New Norfolk 1.1 (7) to University 0.0 (0).
The second quarter opened the same as the first as Eagle coach Crawford drove them deep into attack from the centre bounce. Tiarna Ford scored her second goal at the two-minute mark of the quarter as the Eagles were controlling the game and completely outplaying University. The ball spent much of its time in the Eagles’ forward line as Chloe Ford followed up with another goal at the ten-minute mark.
An Ellie Henricks goal from a pack in the goal square gave New Norfolk a good 26-point advantage as light rain began to fall heading into the half-time break. Chloe Ford, Ashley Green, Zoie Crawford, and Sophie Farrow were prominent for the Eagles. Half time scores were New Norfolk 4.2 (26) to University 0.0 (0).
The third quarter began in overcast conditions with light rain falling. The Eagles continued to dominate the game and it took only four minutes for Georgia Franklin to snap a great goal to increase their lead. Tiarna Ford followed up three minutes later with her third goal and the Eagles were coasting to victory. The sun came out at the sixteen-minute mark of the quarter as the Eagles continued to apply the pressure as Maddi Shaw added another goal with a soccer off the ground to take an unbeatable 44-point lead into the final break.
The Eagle defence was well on top for the first three quarters restricting University to a single behind. Tiarna Ford was dangerous around goals, Sidonie Skelly was marshalling the backline and Olivia Harris was working hard in the midfield. Three-quarter time scores were New Norfolk 7.3 (45) to University 0.1 (1).
The final quarter could have been a complete blow out, but full credit to University as they toughed the game out and totally outscored the Eagles. University added two goals, courtesy of Jenna Farrow and Clancy Smith, and two behinds while holding the Eagles scoreless in the final term. It is fair to say that the Eagles knew they had the game well and truly won and took their foot off the pedal in the last term.
Best players named for the Eagles were Chloe Ford, Olivia Harris, Sophie Farrow, Sidonie Skelly, Ellie Henricks, Ashley Harwood. However, it was a great team effort by all players as the Eagles were clearly the dominant team on the day.
In what can only be described as an upset, The Port Women defeated Hutchins in the qualifying final on Saturday. This sets the scene for an interesting date for the Lady Eagles with Hutchins this Saturday in the semi-final at the TCA Ground. In their only encounter early in the season, Hutchins were victorious by 52 points and will start favourites in the semi-final. However, the Lady Eagles have put together an impressive back half of the season and will go into the contest full of confidence that they can upset their more fancied opponent and continue their finals journey.
– CHRIS LOVELL
Final Scores
New Norfolk 7.3 (45)
University 2.3 (15)
Best – New Norfolk: Chloe Ford, Olivia Harris, Sophie Farrow, Sidonie Skelly, Ellie Henricks, Ashley Harwood. University: R. Upston, A, Vandermeer, M. Wright, J. Farrow, M. Fraser-Eaton, A. Ford.
Goals – New Norfolk: Tiarna Ford 3, Maddie Shaw, Ellie Henricks, Chloe Ford, Jorja Franklin. University: J. Farrow, C. Smith.
NEXT GAME
Saturday, August 29
Women v Hutchins at the TCA Ground at 11am.
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One Response
Brilliant coverage of our local football. It’s the team and support staff smiling that shows confidence.
Sorry blokes that it’s the women’s team actually making it very exciting. Go girls and good luck.