Round 7 2010

THE BAYS HAVE THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF AT THE PARADE

The Redlegs proved they had completely recovered from their disastrous start to the season - opening with four successive losses - to claim their third consecutive win with an emphatic 67-point triumph over Glenelg at Coopers Stadium last night.

The magnitude of Norwood's recovery is reflected in the fact the triumph was an incredible 143-point turnaround in just six weeks after losing its opening-round clash at Glenelg by 76 points.

Taylor Walker's name has been a hot topic and he wasted little time giving the Crows selectors a reminder of his talents when he took a solid mark and nailed the opening goal from outside the 50 just two minutes into the contest.

A minute later the Redlegs had two majors on the scoreboard when Matthew Davis marked a Walker pass and kicked truly.

Norwood's revival after a poor start to the season has been built on confident, quick ball movement as well as committed defensive pressure and those facets were again showcased last night.

Glenelg went into the battle with a class-laden outfit and it threw plenty at the Redlegs early in an absorbing encounter.

Byron Murphy was effective for the visitors, while Chris Kane, Ty Allen and Josh Carr were busy on the ball.

While the Redlegs backed themselves with run and slick movement, the Tigers produced the methodical style of play typical under the tutelage of coach Mark Mickan.

Just four minutes into the second quarter Redlegs small forward Josh Donohue immediately made amends for a missed set shot when he goaled to give the home side a 12-point lead.

Both teams were committed to the task but it was the pressure from Norwood, a trademark in recent weeks, which gave the home side the ascendancy.

The tackling of the likes of Tim Weatherald and Brett Zorzi was relentless and created opportunities for team-mates as the Redlegs continued to surge.

In-form defender Nick Duigan was inspiring with his charging out of the backlines to spark raid after raid.

When Toby Schulz goaled late in the second term the Redlegs, playing with more intent, had ballooned the lead to 25 points.

Glenelg sent Sam Rudolph, who had been standing Walker, forward but the Redlegs' lead grew to 33 points in the third term before Ruory Kirkby kicked a goal for the Tigers after nine minutes of the second half - their first for more than 30 minutes.

But goals to Davis and skipper James Gallagher ensured the Redlegs had the momentum as they established a 40-point buffer.

With the rain sweeping in conditions became slippery and it was the home side, with Simon Phillips brilliant in attack, which handled it best.