Wrest Point TSLW Preliminary Final Wrap
The Wrest Point Tasmanian State League Women’s Preliminary Final saw Glenorchy book a ticket to the Grand Final after beating out reigning premiers, Launceston, in a thrilling match at Blundstone Arena, writes TSL W Digital Reporter Olivia Clayton.
Saturday 8th September
Glenorchy v. Launceston (Blundstone Arena) – 12:00pm
Glenorchy 6.10 (46) defeated Launceston 3.7 (25) in the Preliminary Final at Blundstone Arena.
In a replay of last season’s Grand Final, fans were treated to a cracking game of football, with two of the competition’s top sides putting it all on the line for a shot at premiership glory against Clarence.
The opening term saw Sandy Eaton kick the first goal of the game for the Pies, and the Blues kick just two behinds.
The Magpies looked to take this positive start into the second term, as highlighted by an Elise Barwick attempted specky and another Jasmine Tate-Turvey major.
Launceston, staring down the barrel of an exit from the finals, faced a 17-point deficit leading into the third term but narrowed the margin to 10 by the final change thanks to goals from Dearne Taylor and Emma Manix-Geeves, although Sarah Skinner also managed to hit the scoreboard for the ‘Pies, kicking her side’s only goal for the term.
The game, set for a grandstand finish, became even closer early in the final term, when a Camilla Taylor goal put the Blues just four points behind and with the momentum to potentially storm home.
The Magpies, however, stood firm under pressure, and quickly swooped to kick three goals through captain Nietta Lynch (in her 100th game), Mackie Sutcliffe and Meg Jacobs, who kicked the final goal of the game to secure a 21-point win.
Glenorchy coach, Craig Grace was pleased with how his side performed.
“The game was played in perfect conditions and we rediscovered some of our best footy which was pleasing.
“It’s great to be back after making it last year and it’s something the team set as a goal at the start of the year.
“Grand final week is always an enjoyable experience so we look to enjoy and then focus on performing at our best come Saturday,” Grace said.
The ‘Pies best players were Brieanna Barwick, Elise Barwick, Gemma Allan, Jade Williams, Zabreena Manjerovic and Nietta Lynch.
“Elise and Brie Barwick provided us first use of the ball around the stoppages and played really well. Jade Williams was rock solid in defence.”
Launceston coach, Alex Gibbins, was full of praise for the Magpies’ performance.
“I thought the game was controlled by Glenorchy bar a 20-minute period in the second half. We were unable to get our running game going by some excellent pressure from Glenorchy and it was the best I have seen Glenorchy with ball use, also.”
“We were very lucky to be close enough at half time as we didn’t fire a shot; however our girls fought hard and really lifted their tempo in the second half and played the game out and got close to hitting the front early in the last quarter,” Gibbins said.
The Blues’ best players were Nicole Ristrom, Meg Sinclair, Hayley Whyte, Chevy Thuringer, Ashlee Carey and Camilla Taylor.
“Our defensive group were our best players on the day and kept us in with a chance to win which was lead by Nicky Ristrom who did an excellent job on Nietta Lynch.”
Glenorchy will now challenge Clarence at UTAS Stadium this Saturday for the 2018 Wrest Point TSLW premiership.
Glenorchy Football Club 1.2 2.7 3.9 6.10 (46)
Launceston Football Club 0.2 0.2 2.5 3.7 (25)
GOALS
Glenorchy Football Club: S. Skinner, S. Eaton, N. Lynch, J. Tate Turvey, M. Sutcliffe, M. Jacobs
Launceston Football Club: C. Taylor, D. Taylor, E. Manix-geeves
BEST
Glenorchy Football Club: B. Barwick, E. Barwick, G. Allan, J. Williams, Z. Manjerovic, N. Lynch
Launceston Football Club: N. Ristrom, M. Sinclair, H. Whyte, C. Thuringer, A. Carey, C. Taylor
