No red Herring as Blues sink Legs
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:02 pmLed by an impressive six goal haul by Ryan Herring, Sturt ran away from Norwood to post a 48 point win at Cornerstone College, Mount Barker.
Herring ran rings around the Norwood defence to boot five goals in the first half before being rested in the final term. Opposed to Crows listed Aaron Kite, Herring moved hard in the 50 metre arc to take advantage of Brant Chambers having a quiet first half. Missing only one shot at goal from 5 metres out on a tough angle, his pack marking and quick turning circles were too much for Norwood to contain.
Magarey Medallist Luke Crane showed no signs of a Medal hangover to be close to best afield with a hard running display typified by precise disposal. QLD recruit Matthew Payne was ultra impressive with his ability to win the contested possession and break the lines to set up numerous forward attacks, while Angus Kurtze's first half in ruck was superb, taking a number of contested marks before resting to give Jake Bowen time in centre. John McDonald was impressive throughout. His breaking of the lines and clever passing by foot to isolate teammates drew many plaudits from the Sturt coaching staff at the breaks, while Jade Sheedy's experience was critical mopping up across half back.
The Legs suffered from an inability to find a multiple goalkicker, with all ten goals slotted by individual players. Jamie Vlatko was again well held, posting a solitary behind, although Jack Juniper showed excellent signs that he could be a valuable foil for frustrated Norwood coach Trevor Hill. Labelling their tackling efforts as "pathetic" at three quarter time, he shuffled the boards numerous times to find the right combination. Port listed onballer Matthew Thomas made the most of his opportunities with a dominant display, although it was spoiled by wayward foot passing at crucial times. Alex Stopp's first half on Chambers was brilliant, with close checking and good positioning restricting the opportunities of the Blues spearhead. Dylan Pfitzner, not looking entirely comfortable as a second ruck early, moved forward later and showed good signs with quick movement while Paul Puopolo was pivotal at the fall of the ball to break the lines.
With Norwood having many first choice players missing, such as David Trotter (who played in the Reserves match), Kenrick Tyrell, Luke Jericho and Kris Massie, there were still some good signs of quick ball movement spoiled by poor decision making at times. Sturt, not far below full strength, drew much encouragement from some of their youngsters, with Jeremy Johncock and Tom Rischibieth having good patches, while former Norwood onballer Brad Vassal showed he will be a useful addition for Luke Norman.
SCORES:
STURT 4-2 10-5 14-8 17-11 (113)
NORWOOD 2-1 6-4 7-4 10-5 (65)
GOALS: Sturt - Herring 6, Chambers 3, McDonald 2, Payne, Sheedy, Gum, Johncock, Trengove, Smith
Norwood - Lower, Coombes, Puopolo, Juniper, Gunning, Fuller, M. Thomas, Aish, Pfitzner, Jeffries
Herring ran rings around the Norwood defence to boot five goals in the first half before being rested in the final term. Opposed to Crows listed Aaron Kite, Herring moved hard in the 50 metre arc to take advantage of Brant Chambers having a quiet first half. Missing only one shot at goal from 5 metres out on a tough angle, his pack marking and quick turning circles were too much for Norwood to contain.
Magarey Medallist Luke Crane showed no signs of a Medal hangover to be close to best afield with a hard running display typified by precise disposal. QLD recruit Matthew Payne was ultra impressive with his ability to win the contested possession and break the lines to set up numerous forward attacks, while Angus Kurtze's first half in ruck was superb, taking a number of contested marks before resting to give Jake Bowen time in centre. John McDonald was impressive throughout. His breaking of the lines and clever passing by foot to isolate teammates drew many plaudits from the Sturt coaching staff at the breaks, while Jade Sheedy's experience was critical mopping up across half back.
The Legs suffered from an inability to find a multiple goalkicker, with all ten goals slotted by individual players. Jamie Vlatko was again well held, posting a solitary behind, although Jack Juniper showed excellent signs that he could be a valuable foil for frustrated Norwood coach Trevor Hill. Labelling their tackling efforts as "pathetic" at three quarter time, he shuffled the boards numerous times to find the right combination. Port listed onballer Matthew Thomas made the most of his opportunities with a dominant display, although it was spoiled by wayward foot passing at crucial times. Alex Stopp's first half on Chambers was brilliant, with close checking and good positioning restricting the opportunities of the Blues spearhead. Dylan Pfitzner, not looking entirely comfortable as a second ruck early, moved forward later and showed good signs with quick movement while Paul Puopolo was pivotal at the fall of the ball to break the lines.
With Norwood having many first choice players missing, such as David Trotter (who played in the Reserves match), Kenrick Tyrell, Luke Jericho and Kris Massie, there were still some good signs of quick ball movement spoiled by poor decision making at times. Sturt, not far below full strength, drew much encouragement from some of their youngsters, with Jeremy Johncock and Tom Rischibieth having good patches, while former Norwood onballer Brad Vassal showed he will be a useful addition for Luke Norman.
SCORES:
STURT 4-2 10-5 14-8 17-11 (113)
NORWOOD 2-1 6-4 7-4 10-5 (65)
GOALS: Sturt - Herring 6, Chambers 3, McDonald 2, Payne, Sheedy, Gum, Johncock, Trengove, Smith
Norwood - Lower, Coombes, Puopolo, Juniper, Gunning, Fuller, M. Thomas, Aish, Pfitzner, Jeffries
, no drink or food stalls and a "cow-bell" for a siren were the only BIG let-downs on the day. Thankfully a Norwood supporter actually rang Strut and informed them that the Cornerstone College hadnt planned to open the gym to allow access to the toilets! 
