The Journo
Years ago
Craddock inspires luckless West
A career best game from Bearcat guard Rory Craddock was just not enough to propel West Adelaide over Norwood at Marden last Saturday night.
The Flames got home 88-85 in front of an eager crowd, Norwood returning two their spiritual Marden home after a two-year absence.
Craddock (25 points, six rebounds) was simply sensational in the third period, virtually carrying the Bearcat charge as he sliced his way to the hoop, West going into the final stanza with a slender 66-64 buffer.
Control of the contest swung multiple times in the last 12 minutes, the Flames gaining the ascendency from the free throw line and some sweet shooting, especially guard Robin Eley (20 points), who swished six three-pointers.
Danny Phillips connected on his only triple of the night to cut the Norwood lead to one (86-85). Craddock was then whistled for a controversial offensive foul which knocked the sails out of the Bearcats.
Two free throws from Eley sealed the game as Craddock's last second prayer went unanswered.
Shane Crothers (20 points) worried 36ers centre David Cooper (10 points, eight rebounds, eight blocks) for a majority of the 48 minutes while the rise of youngster Chris Molitor (11 points and six rebounds) is a real positive for the Bearcats.
West women meanwhile made it back-to-back victories with a 66-59 success over the Flames.
Norwood challenged West to the brink over victory throughout the second half, boom recruit Natalie Hurst (20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists) inspiring the Flames, but it was not enough.
Sam Woosnam had a team high 17 points for West while Kate Jenner pulled down an amazing 16 rebounds to go with 14 points in an MVP performance.
