After an even start in the first Premier League game at ARC Campbelltown, unsteady ball handling plagued Forestville at the end of the first quarter and the beginning minutes of the 2nd against the historically talented home side, Norwood Flames. Consistent defence from both ends kept the game close with Norwood capitalising from controlling possession time and good shot choices. With a late surge, the Flames turned opportunistic defence to a 16-10 lead at the first quarter break. 

Forestville took more than three minutes to score in the second quarter when Ruby Luders dropped in 2 from a second chance opportunity at the 6.40 mark.  For the Flames, consistently relentless D pushed the lead out to as much as 17 points.    Far from regular buckets could’ve seen that lead build, but Norwood went flat themselves.  They could not blame the Summer glare rumours (not) emanating from the southwest floor to ceiling windows, as neither end of the court could pop the top until Olivia Thompson knocked down a couple consecutive shots to spark the Eagles. 

Given the chance to break in the first-class facilities of the ARC Campbelltown, Forestville would not let the Flames fire roll undisturbed.  After an Eagles fastbreak with a Thompson finish, strong defensive rebounding, a 3 from Kate Harrison, a steal by Oliver, a 3 from Defrancesco, and an O board by Katia S. leading to an easy 2 by the agile Defrancesco saw the Norwood lead shrink to 2 before the 2nd quarter closed with a slight Flames edge of 33-29.  This is why the crowds came out!

Going into the second half Norwood needed a leader to step up on both ends in order to shut the door of the obviously Olivia Thompson-led Eagles.  She delivered, however, the third quarter proved the power of team holds the advantage over a solo star.  Norwood’s Jessica Good notched a subtle double/double as she paced her input adding 5 steals doing her part on both ends of the court.  Three other teammates hit double figures (Shannon McKay 16, Chelsea Brook 11 & Abbie Martin 10) spreading the offensive load.  The Flames defence forced 22 Forestville turnovers off 16 steals. (spoiler alert!)

Norwood held firm to a 50-41 lead as the 3rd quarter came to a close.  The heart was there for Forestville but the collective play lacked discipline and control.  Norwood only invited a lead change, but turnovers betrayed Forestville’s efforts.  Outside shooting from Samantha Defranscesco, the only other Eagle to score in double figures (14) besides the Lightning leader, provided enough Eagles support to keep it within 7 with 4 minutes to go.  Just when the window opened for Forestville, poor free throw shooting shut the comeback down unceremoniously.  Even a mis-timed foul from beyond the arc by Norwood didn’t see the Eagles soar, missing all three from line.  So what was potentially a one point game turned a 4 point deficit to 7 as Jess Good made a fitting steal as the buzzer went off sealing a 68-61 Norwood Flames victory - their 9th straight season opening win.  New coach - old habits.  Darren stated an importance of “developing a team identity” and “establishing a development culture” in a pre-game interview.  Admittingly I suspected this was coach-speak for win or lose, the experience was the focus.  To start the 2017 Premier League season, the Norwood Women decided to experience winning.