Wrest Point TSLW Round 7 Wrap
Round seven of the Wrest Point Tasmanian State League Women’s season saw two physical games with Clarence defeating the Tigers, and Glenorchy winning against reigning premier Launceston, writes TSL W Digital Reporter Olivia Clayton.
Sunday 3rd June
Glenorchy v. Launceston (KGV) – 11:30am
Glenorchy 4.6 (30) defeated reigning premier Launceston 1.4 (10) at KGV as the Magpies registered their first win over the Blues this season.
The match was fiercely contested from the outset, with both sides kept to just one behind apiece in the opening term.
The second term was just as contested, with Glenorchy’s Sarah Skinner kicking the only goal of the term to help the Pies take a five-point lead into half time.
Both teams traded blows in the third quarter, with Nietta Lynch kicking Glenorchy’s third for the match and Courtney Webb kicking one for Launceston to make it a six-point difference at the final change.
Glenorchy managed to partially break the game open in the final term, kicking two goals via Natalie Daniels and then Brieanna Barwick as the Pies stormed home to record a 20-point win over the reigning premier.
Mackie Sutcliffe and Sarah Skinner were named as Glenorchy’s top two best players, while Kate McLaughlin and Brooke Thurlow rounded out Launceston’s top two spots.
Launceston coach Alex Gibbons found plenty of positives out of the match, despite the result.
“[McLaughlin’s] output and work rate was at a level we want to see every week, and [she] really took hold of our midfield.”
“Brooke Thurlow played a solid game on the reigning league best and fairest player [Thomasa] Corrie and our whole defensive unit really worked well together.”
“Special mention to our 16 year old rookies in Mikayla White and Sian Beeton who we knew are players of the future but really showed this level is not beyond them,” Gibbons said.
The Blues will be keeping a close eye on Bianca White, who suffered a head knock during the match.
“Bianca White has suffered a concussion and has not recovered as well as we’d like still suffering headaches and blurred vision,” Gibbons said.
Glenorchy’s win has taken them to top spot on the ladder after seven rounds, with the Magpies set to take on Clarence in round eight after the competition’s bye round this weekend.
Launceston will be looking to rest up with an extended break due to having the bye after the competition’s weekend off.
Glenorchy Football Club 0.1 1.3 2.4 4.6 (30)
Launceston Football Club 0.1 0.4 1.4 1.4 (10)
GOALS
Glenorchy Football Club: S. Skinner, N. Lynch, N. Daniels, B. Barwick
Launceston Football Club: C. Webb
BEST
Glenorchy Football Club: M. Sutcliffe, S. Skinner, Z. Manjerovic, J. Williams, R. Siely, B. Barwick
Launceston Football Club: K. McLaughlin, B. Thurlow, H. Whyte, A. Dickson, D. Taylor, A. Carey
Sunday 3rd June
Clarence v. Tigers (Geilston Bay) – 12:00pm
A Natalie Heggie-led Clarence 16.12 (108) defeated the Tigers 0.0. (0) at Geilston Bay as the ‘Roos stamped their reputation as a contender in 2018.
Natalie Heggie booted three goals in the first term after the opener from Jacinta Limbrick to help put the Roos in front at quarter time by 27 points.
Natalie Heggie kicked two more in the second term, with Jacinta Limbrick also scoring another, and Loveth Ochayi kicking her first for the game. Clarence finished the first half 54 points up and well and truly in control.
The Tigers continued to apply lots of pressure in the second half, but Hannah Scott came out and kicked two for Clarence, Jacinta Limbrick acquired her third, and Darcey Elliston scored her first in the third stanza as the Roos increased their lead to 82 points at three quarter time.
Natalie Heggie came out and kicked three more goals in the fourth quarter, making her total eight for the match, whilst Darcy Elliston kicked her second goal for the game making it a 108-point win over the Tigers.
Clarence have now convincingly won both matches against the Tigers this season, having won by 148 points in round one.
Clarence coach, Andy Smith was pleased with the result, insisting his team will take plenty out of the win.
“It was a good opportunity to play a few players in different roles, to develop their skills and increase their football knowledge. It was also a good opportunity to develop our game plan,” Smith said.
Hannah Scott, Jacinta Limbrick and Natalie Heggie were named as Clarence’s three best players for the match, with Heggie’s haul of eight moving her to equal third on the competition’s goal kicking tally.
Hannah Scott’s performance particularly stood out to Smith, as the Roos moved to second spot on the ladder.
“Hannah won the SFL Best and Fairest award last year so it was good to see her play her best game for the club since stepping up to the TSLW,” he said.
Tigers coach Brad Willis was disappointed by the end result, with several injuries affecting the side throughout the match.
“We narrowed the margin from our first round game, but overall were disappointed with the result.
“In trying to curb their dangerous forward line meant that all our experienced players ended up down back and our inexperienced forwards were outgunned.
“Losing star midfielder Marla Neal early in the game to concussion compounded matters. We also lost Inez Balon and Sammy Grimsey to concussion and ended the game with only 15 players,” Willis said.
Although the Tigers were unable to score all game, Kristy Baker, Gillian Millar and Cara Brooke rounded out the Tigers top three best players, with the efforts of several players impressing Willis.
“Captain Kristy Baker defended gallantly, Cara Brooke and Olivia McGow were tireless in the midfield, Gilly Millar who put out spot fires everywhere and emerging teenagers, Lilly Ellis and Chelsey Van Muijlwijk all played well.
“Fortunately, we have the bye this week, so the emphasis will be on recovery before we travel to West Park to take on Burnie,” Willis said.
Round 8 will see Clarence play Glenorchy in a top of the table clash at KGV on the 17th of June, while the Tigers will travel North for the second time this season to take on the Dockers at West Park.
Clarence Football Club 4.3 8.6 12.10 16.12 (108)
Tigers Football Club 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)
GOALS
Clarence Football Club: N. Heggie 8, J. Limbrick 3, H. Scott 2, D. Elliston 2, L. Ochayi
BEST
Clarence Football Club: H. Scott, J. Limbrick, N. Heggie, D. Elliston, L. Ochayi, R. Long
Tigers Football Club: K. Baker, G. Millar, C. Brooke, C. Van Muijlwijk, L. Ellis, M. Absolom
