NORWOOD is the first official team into the AAMI Talent League Under 18 Girls finals series after winning its fifth game from six matches last Thursday. As part of a special pre-Easter Round 6 of action, Norwood proved too good for Glenelg, storming to a 35-point victory at Stratarama Stadium. The 8.9 (57) to 3.4 (22) win meant the Redlegs are two games clear inside the top four with just one round remaining.

Despite missing some of their big guns including midfield dynamos Mia Wood and Ella Anderson, as well as talented triple bottom-ager Della McCracken, the Redlegs still got the job done with a three goals to nil opening term. Though the Bays kept that deficit intact for the next two quarters, and even few within 15 points in the fourth term, Norwood responded immediately to run out comfortable winners.

Stepping up in the absence of key teammates were Kaianne Colbung-Ware (26 disposals, three marks, 11 tackles, two clearances and four inside 50s) and Molly Sennar (21 disposals, 11 tackles, seven clearances, five inside 50s and two rebound 50s) who both recorded big numbers. Kailee Colbung-Ware booted a couple of majors to be her side’s only multiple goalkicker, while Emmerson Lihou steadied the ship late with a fourth quarter major and had 12 touches as well.

For the Bays, Ada-Mae Koch lead the way with 16 disposals, two marks – one contested – two tackles, four clearances and four inside 50s, as high energy forward/midfielder Charlotte O’Sullivan looked strong on the inside, helping herself to five clearances and four inside 50s from 12 touches. Ruck Bailey Broome (12 disposals, 17 hitouts) was prominent too, while Lana Bruce kicked two of Glenelg’s three goals in defeat.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Central District all but secured its spot in the finals series, picking up win number four and boasting the highest percentage of the three teams with a 4-2 record. The Dogs got past West Adelaide by 14 points at Richmond Oval, 6.4 (40) to 4.2 (26) as Indianna Nelson (18 disposals, 25 hitouts) proved a force through the ruck, and Sophie Bevis (24 disposals, 11 clearances) was enormous around the contest. Mary Rose Bahls Kildea (21 disposals, four marks, four inside 50s and four rebound 50s) caught the eye once again for West Adelaide.

Sturt kept its finals hopes alive with a vital victory over the winless North Adelaide. The Double Blues kicked four goals to one after half-time to record a 7.6 (48) to 3.3 (21) victory, as over-ager Edwina Thornquest kicked 2.4 in front of the big sticks. Potential Richmond father-daughter prospect Saskia Kellaway was strong on the inside with eight clearances from 18 disposals, having a great battle with Roosters midfielder Nevaeh Ebert (22 disposals, eight clearances). Under 16s All-Australian Isabella Beaumont finished with 16 disposals, five marks and five rebound 50s.

Meanwhile Woodville-West Torrens ground out a 10-point win over South Adelaide after not scoring in the first half to win, 3.0 (18) to 1.2 (8) at Magain Stadium. It was a tough slog from both teams, but Ruby Matthews (24 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances and five inside 50s) and Tahlia Morton (18 disposals, 12 tackles and eight clearances) were among the better Eagles in the victory. Zoe Flesfader (21 disposals, four marks, 11 tackles, nine clearances and four rebound 50s) was simply sensational for the Panthers.

All eight teams have a bye for Gather Round festivities and the Under 16 Championships this weekend, before the regular season concludes on Saturday, April 18.