Wrest Point TSLW Round 9 Wrap
Round nine of the Wrest Point Tasmanian State League Women’s season saw two of the competition’s heavyweights flex their muscle, with Clarence defeating Burnie and Launceston getting the better of the Tigers, writes TSL W Digital Reporter Olivia Clayton.
Sunday 24th June
Clarence v. Burnie (Geilston Bay) – 12:00pm
Clarence defeated Burnie 17.10 (112) to 2.2. (14) in round nine at Geilston Bay, backing up the ‘Roos 111-point win over the Dockers earlier this season.
The first goal of the game was kicked by Natalie Heggie for Clarence, with teammates Maddy Smith, Sophie Pennicott and Jacinta Limbrick all kicking a goal each in the first term to hand the ‘Roos a 24-point lead at the first break.
The second term saw Maddy Smith score one more for the Roos, Jacinta Limbrick kick two, and Chloe Wells and Tarn Ford with their first for the game.
Burnie’s Chloe Haines leaped through the air all over the field taking some courageous marks, however Burnie were still unable to score by the main break, with the hosts holding a commanding 60-point advantage.
This lead was increased during the third term via goals from Saasha Hinks, Jessica Minifie, Hannah Scott and Maddy Smith, with Clarence’s dominance around the ground reflected in the Dockers having just the one behind on the scoreboard heading into the final stanza.
Burnie finished the game well, with goals from Libby Haines and Kaytlyn Johnson ensuring the Dockers registered two majors for the day.
Darcy Elliston, Jacinta Limbrick, Georgia Pennicott and Maddy Smith all added to the Clarence tally, however, helping the ‘Roos to a big 98-point win.
Clarence coach, Andy Smith was pleased with the result and used the game as an opportunity to learn more about his side.
“Having control on the scoreboard at quarter time allowed us to move players around and give them opportunities in positions they don’t normally play.”
The Roos top three best players on the day were Grace Mitchell, Chloe Wells and Maddy Smith.
“Chloe Wells our number one ruck spent the second half at centre half back and did a fantastic job.”
Burnie coach, Richard Mulcahy, stated that “in Sundays game we were competitive at times but Clarence’s run and spread from the contest was great.”
“We struggled to curb their defensive rebound and switch. This allowed some fast forward entries and easy goals. Our better players had a massive load to carry as we were low on numbers.”
The Dockers top three best players were Libby Haines, Chloe Haines and Emma Humphries.
“Libby and Chloe Haines did a great job in the ruck as well as winning plenty of ball around the ground. Libby had 10 tackles and Chloe took nine marks. Emma Humphries and Lauren Stevenson [also] had a solid day.”
Clarence hold on to their second-place position on the ladder after round nine, just one game behind Glenorchy, and Burnie jumps to fourth place.
Clarence will face Launceston at Windsor Park in round ten, and Burnie will host Glenorchy at Wivenhoe.
Clarence Football Club 4.0 9.6 13.8 17.10 (112)
Burnie Football Club 0.0 0.0 0.1 2.2 (14)
GOALS
Clarence Football Club: J. Limbrick 4, M. Smith 4, J. Minifie, N. Heggie, D. Elliston, G. Pennicott, C. Wells, T. Ford, S. Pennicott, S. Hinks, H. Scott
Burnie Football Club: L. Haines, K. Johnson
BEST
Clarence Football Club: G. Mitchell, C. Wells, M. Smith, J. Limbrick, G. Pennicott, T. Ford
Burnie Football Club: L. Haines, C. Haines, E. Humphries, O. Carr, E. Duncombe, S. Rodman
Sunday 24th June
Tigers v. Launceston (Twin Ovals) – 12:00pm
Launceston 13.14 (92) defeated the Tigers 0.0 (0) at Twin Ovals after an 83-point win earlier this season in the same fixture.
Launceston dominated the contest, kicking a big score, all the while keeping the Tigers scoreless for the afternoon.
Launceston coach, Alex Gibbons, says the team “were really happy with Sunday’s game.”
“The score line yes, but the way we played was the best part. We have been focusing on certain aspects of our game over the last two weeks of byes that we have had,” Gibbons said.
Launceston’s top three best players on the day were Amy Halaby, Abbey Green and Emma Mannix-geeves.
“Amy Halaby was our best player through the midfield. She always gives full effort, but on the weekend, she turned that effort into defining moments of the match and had a high impact including hitting the scoreboard.”
Tigers coach, Brad Willis, agreed with Launceston’s efforts saying that the Blues delivered the ‘best team performance’ the side had come up against.
“Individuals from other teams may have got hold of us during the season, but Launceston’s even pressure over four quarters was a great lesson for our developing players. Whilst their midfield and forwards will probably feature in the votes, I thought their half back provided great rebound and were almost impenetrable,” he said.
“To our credit we played the game out, did not go defensive and did not go away from the style we want to play.”
Cara Brooke, Marla Neal and Olivia McKee rounded out the Tigers top three best players, while Olivia McGow also impressed Willis.
“Our midfield trio of Cara Brooke, Marla Neal and Olivia McGow competed fiercely all day; forward turned defender Olivia McKee played her best game for the year with her performance featuring many telling spoils and tackles.”
The Tigers, despite the scoreline, will take plenty positives out of the game as they look to overtake Burnie and book a place in the top four.
“Gilly Millar went into the ruck in the second half and more than held her own and Jess Murphy defended strongly and led by example, while Hobart permit player Madelyn Hogarth showed she will be one to watch in the future with a promising display at full back.”
“With the week off we hope to regain 3-4 players when we next host Clarence,” Willis said.
At the end of round nine the Tigers drop down to fifth on the ladder and Launceston remains in third place, purely down to Clarence having a slightly higher percentage.
Round 10 will see Launceston and Clarence go head to head at Windsor Park and the Tigers have the weekend off with the bye.
Tigers Football Club 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)
Launceston Football Club 3.2 6.5 9.7 13.14 (92)
GOALS
Launceston Football Club: G. Hill 3, A. Green 3, E. Manix-geeves 2, M. Radford, A. Halaby, C. Thuringer, A. Dickson, M. King
BEST
Tigers Football Club: C. Brooke, M. Neal, O. McKee, J. Murphy, G. Millar, M.Hogarth
Launceston Football Club: A. Halaby, A. Green, E. Mannix-geeves, M. King, M. Sinclair, C. Stanley
