The Wrap-Up: Wrest Point TSLW Round 3

Round three of the Wrest Point Tasmanian State League Women’s season saw Clarence defeat North Launceston by 41 points, and Launceston keep Lauderdale scoreless in a big 140 points.

With the two new teams to the competition taking on two experienced sides, Olivia Clayton looks at the key talking points from each game.

Clarence 7.14 (56) def. North Launceston 2.3 (15)

Goalkickers:

North Launceston – J. Brain, C. Hooper

Clarence – M. Smith 3, N. Pearce, J. Williams, D. Elliston, B. McDonald

Best Players:

North Launceston – T. Woolley, S. Townsend, S. Radford, L. Hancock, J. Clifford, G. Nicolson

Clarence – B. Scott, R. Archer, N. Bresnehan, K. Johnson, M. Smith, G. Blackburn

1. Clarence continue strong start with second win

Clarence notched their second win of the season, defeating North Launceston at UTAS Stadium.

Maddy Smith was the Roos’ leading goal kicker, booting three for the side. Bronte Scott, Rachel Archer and Nicole Bresnehan were the standouts for Clarence with all having a major impact in the game.

After a sluggish opening term, the ‘Roos took control of the game after quarter time, something that pleased midfielder Nicole Bresnehan.

“The main highlight was how we responded in the second quarter,” she said.

“Our first quarter was one of the worst quarters of footy we have played, but after regrouping at quarter time we bounced back really well and started implementing the game plan we’ve practiced all pre-season.

“North Launceston were a quality opposition which was great to come up against early on in the year. It was great for a few of our new girls to play their first game and get used to the physicality of the competition.”

2. North Launceston challenges experienced side

North Launceston tackled an experienced side this week but gave their all despite the challenge.

Coach, Dean Smith, acknowledged the challenge of playing a seasoned outfit like Clarence.

“The girls started well but struggled under constant pressure from Clarence after last week’s win.

“The main highlight for us was having 11 players either still eligible for U17s, or from U17s last year, and only having four players in that team with previous TSLW experience. They fought the game out and didn’t give up.

“The performances of our two young girls straight out of U17s last year [were also a highlight]. Michaela Cairns played on Maddy Smith and Shaleah Burrows on Jessie Williams, both had a real crack and learnt a lot playing on players of that calibre.”

Now with a big win over Lauderdale in round one and a competitive performance against last year’s grand finalist, the Northern Bombers have given every indication that they will be a highly competitive outfit in their inaugural TSLW campaign.

Launceston 21.14 (140) def. Lauderdale 0.0 (0)

Goalkickers:

Launceston – D. Bannister 8, B. Rattray 5, M. Sinclair 2, N. Ristrom, L. Stevenson, M. Hillier, J. Guy, D. Corcoran, M. Smith

Best Players:

Lauderdale – S. Williams, B. Dickenson, C. McManus, B. Goward, C. Kenny, K. Teders

Launceston – B. Rattray, J. Guy, D. Taylor, M. Sinclair, L. Haines, D. Bannister

1. Launceston a wall of defence and damaging in attack

Launceston proved too strong for Lauderdale, keeping them scoreless and winning by 140 points in a comprehensive performance.

Daria Bannister booted eight for the Blues and Brie Rattray kicked five. Every time Lauderdale tried to gain possession there seemed to be a Launceston player there to intercept it.

Meg Sinclair and Libby Haines were some of the many Blues players that kept Lauderdale on their toes, with both working hard all around the ground to gain possession.

Bannister’s goal around the 12-minute mark of the final term was one of many that summed up how hard it was for Lauderdale to get the ball down their end. Lauderdale player, Charlotte O’Neill, was awarded a free kick right in front of the Blues goals, that just seemed to be attracted to Bannister. Bannister swooped in and casually snapped it through making goal kicking look effortless, but not as effortless as her goal from the 50-metre line not long before the final siren.

This balance of attack (35 scoring shots) and defence (keeping Lauderdale to zero), makes the Blues a formidable opponent, with the side currently living up to the pre-season hype that surrounded the team.

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2. Lauderdale’s continued efforts

Lauderdale once again applied lots of pressure and endurance during Sunday’s match against Launceston that was not reflected on the scoreboard.

In round two against North Launceston, Lauderdale were kept scoreless and went down by 111 points, but their big losses aren’t deterring the team’s determination.

Sophie Williams, best on ground for Lauderdale in round three, says the team is learning more from each game they play together as a unit.

“Every week the team is improving.

“Playing against Launceston was tough, but our chemistry as a team is building and although the scoreboard didn’t reflect much in our favour, we definitely are improving.

“We played some really strong footy and that really boosted good vibes amongst the team,” she said.

Lauderdale’s closest opportunity for a score came in the final quarter when Claire McManus gained possession of the ball in the middle of the ground. McManus kicked to teammate Ellie Johnstone, who marked and kicked to Alya Rance. Rance booted it back to McManus who was now inside their forward fifty. McManus didn’t make the distance, but it did show that the team have the capacity to move the ball well, with this synergy likely to continue building as the year goes on. Moments like this will do plenty to boost the morale of the team.