Bombers blow away improved Dees

Lauderdale has begun its Bupa TSL season in style, defeating a gallant North Hobart by 52 points at North Hobart Oval.

The final score, however, is not a reflection of the overall contest, with the Demons proving they will be a competitive force in 2019, TSL Digital Reporter Grant Jessup writes.

The Demons made a blistering start, kicking the first three goals of the match with veteran Colin Garland and youngster Thomas Reeves proving to be a handful for the Bombers’ defence.

Lauderdale responded with two late majors from Henry Kerinaiua and Raymond Hill respectively.

The only negative for the Dees was losing midfielder Luke Waters to injury in the first five minutes.

The second quarter was goal for goal until the Bombers kicked two in a row through forward Jacob Gillbee and new recruit Sam Burge to take a two point lead into half-time.

Bombers star Thor Boscott took an early mark of the year contender on the wing in an otherwise quiet first half.

North Hobart recruit Sam Darley was busy in the first half but left the field after suffering a deep gash over his eye and did not return.

The third quarter was an arm struggle with both sides hitting the scoreboard but neither being able to run away with the game.

Jacob Gillbee kicked his third major and was becoming an issue for the Demons.

The early stages of the final term saw a huge goal from Demons midfielder Jayden Charlton to level the scores.

However, Lauderdale took back their lead within a minute after a major from Sam Burge.

This began a deluge of goals from the visitors who took their game to the next level.

North Hobart’s intensity also dropped off in the last quarter with only two fit players on the bench.

? WATCH | @NorthHobartFC were brave, but @Lauderdale_FC prevailed. Hear from Bear Robinson and Darren Winter after Saturday's clash at North Hobart Oval. #BUPATSLhttps://t.co/RWhC16q8gU

— Bupa TSL (@TasStateLeague) March 31, 2019

Lauderdale kicked eight goals in a row with Jacob Gillbee, Bryce Walsh, Henry Kerinaiua and Thor Boscott all contributing to the blitz.

Gillbee finished with six majors, including three in the last term.

Bombers captain Bryce Walsh took a big hit early in the 2nd quarter but played on and made his presence felt for the rest of the game.

Sam Siggins was also dominant in the midfield, collecting more than 30 possessions.

For North Hobart, Colin Garland was a focal point in the forward line with three goals.

Demons midfielder Thomas Reeves kicked two majors and applied tremendous tackling pressure.

Angus Norton and Sam Caswell were also valuable contributors for the red and blue.

Lauderdale coach Darren Winter said his side were unable to take control of the game until the final term.

“Took a little time for guys to get into it.”

“They [North Hobart] certainly put a lot of pressure on us, got numbers around the ball,” he said.

“It opened up a bit in the last quarter, we were able to get on the outside of them.”

Winter was happy with the performance of new midfielder Sam Burge.

“Sammy Burge is a great pick up, he’s tough and hard at the footy.”

North Hobart coach Richard ‘Bear’ Robinson concedes Lauderdale’s experience got them over the line.

“Lauderdale just ran over the top of us in the last quarter, experienced, hard bodies.”

Robinson said the injuries to Luke Waters and Sam Darley were not to blame for the final quarter fade-out.

“It makes it tough when there are only two rotations but no excuse.”

Robinson was full of praise for younger players Baxter Norton and Thomas Reeves.

“I thought they were probably our best two players.”

“They’re both good kids and they’re going to be great players for our club,” he said.

Despite the final margin, ‘Bear’ was upbeat about his side’s performance.

“For the first time in a long time we were in a game, in the last quarter, against a quality side.”

“That first quarter was an example of what we hope the footy club is like in the years to come,” he said.

Scorecard:

North Hobart – 8.10 (58)
Lauderdale – 16.15 (111)

Goalkickers:

North Hobart: C. Garland 3, T. Reeves 2, J. Barwick, A. Norton, J. Charlton
Lauderdale: J. Gillbee 6, S. Burge 3, B. Walsh 2, R. Hill 2, H. Kerinaiua 2, T. Boscott

Best players:

North Hobart : T. Reeves, A. Norton, B. Walker, N. McCulloch, S. Caswell, M. Yates
Lauderdale : S. Siggins, P. Bellchambers, J. Gillbee, S. Burge, E. Trupp, H. Kerinaiua

Next up:
North Hobart will face Glenorchy at KGV on Saturday night while Lauderdale will host Launceston at Lauderdale Oval on Saturday afternoon.