The Wrap Up: Wrest Point TSLW Round 9
Round nine of the Wrest Point TSLW season opened with competition newcomers North Launceston making a statement by defeating 2018 runners up Clarence by 11 points. TSLW reporter Olivia Clayton looks at some talking points from the round.
North Launceston 3.2 (20) def. Clarence 1.3 (9)
Goalkickers:
North Launceston – E. McKinnell, S. Radford, J. Clifford
Clarence – D. Elliston
Best Players:
North Launceston – B. Farrell, J. Clifford, S. Townsend, R. Wilson, M. Cuthbertson, C. Hooper
Clarence – G. Mitchell, A. Hardner, G. Alomes, T. Strong, B. Scott, R. Archer
1. North Launceston get one up on Clarence
In tough, wet conditions, North Launceston held firm against the ‘Roos, restricting the visitors to just one goal for the game (in the opening term) and kicking the only three goals of the second half.
North Launceston coach Dean Smith said his side knew how big of a test this clash was going to be.
“(We) knew the game against Clarence was going to be tough and with both teams missing players through injury and illness it was always going to test the depth of both teams lists.
“At half time we challenged the group as to how important it is as part of their first year development to claim a win over a team above us on the ladder and they responded very well to that challenge.”
Emily McKinnell, Sarah Radford and captain Jodie Clifford kicked one goal apiece for the side, while Bonnie Farrell was named as North Launceston’s best on ground in an even team effort.
“Bonnie Farrell and Renee Wilson led the backline well, Sophie Townsend dominated the ruck contests and her work rate is outstanding as usual,” Smith said.
“Maggie Cuthbertson and Jodie Clifford both had a major influence on the game from the midfield, Caitlyn Hooper had her best game of the season so far on a wing and Sarah Radford was our most prominent forward on the night.”
North Launceston remain in third place on the ladder and go one game clear of Clarence in fourth ahead of this weekend’s clash with Glenorchy this Saturday.
2. Clarence struggled under North Launceston’s ‘consistent pressure’
At half time Clarence had kept North Launceston to two behinds and were in front by five points. However, North Launceston kicked three goals one in the last half, to the Roos one behind, to win by 11 points.
Clarence player, Katherine Johnson, acknowledged that North Launceston brought a greater intensity to the contest.
“As a team we found the wet weather conditions challenging and combined with North Launceston’s consistent pressure we were unable to execute our brand of football on the day.”
Darcy Elliston was Clarence’s sole goal scorer, while captain Grace Mitchell was the Roos best performer.
“Mitchell was dominant in the midfield running tirelessly all day. While Rachel Archer, Tahlia Strong and Alice Hardner were courageous in the backline,” Johnson said.
Clarence stay in fourth spot on the ladder, one game behind North Launceston in third, and three games ahead of Tigers in fifth ahead of a meeting with Lauderdale in round 10.
Launceston 21.18 (144) def. Lauderdale 0.0 (0)
Goalkickers:
Launceston – D. Bannister 6, L. Stevenson 4, A. Dickson 3, M. Sinclair 2, K. Hill 2, G. Hill 2, L. Haines, H. Whyte
Best Players:
Lauderdale – K. Teders, E. Johnstone, C. Kenny, C. McManus, M. Goldsmith, C. Stewart
Launceston – A. Dickson, M. Smith, L. Stevenson, D. Taylor, D. Bannister, C. Haines
1. Launceston notch another win
Launceston kept Lauderdale scoreless in round nine and finished with a 144-point win.
Launceston Coach, Ange Dickson, says Sunday was an ‘important game for the side’.
“As a team we were a little flat after our win against Clarence and this week gave us the opportunity to move a few players around on the ground and set some small skill targets to reach to keep us motivated.
“The girls adapted really well and showed just how versatile they all can be. It’s exciting times for us a club,” she said.
Daria Bannister kicked six goals for the Blues and Dickson was their best on ground, while Meg Sinclair again impressed.
“Bannister was again a cut above the rest. She is really showing some good form for the club and is building her confidence each week in front of goal.
“Sinclair proved just how versatile she can be this week, dominating in all areas of the ground,” Dickson said.
The Blues remain in top spot on the ladder with an unbeaten record and will take on the Tigers this weekend.
2. Lauderdale continue to put in effort, despite results not going their way
Although Lauderdale were unable to score against a tough opponent, they continued to apply pressure, and worked hard to gain possession and get the ball down the ground.
“Launnie are definitely a very strong side and we were faced with another hard game, but we managed to pull through although the score board did not reflect our girls’ efforts at all,” Lauderdale Player, Chloe Stewart said.
Stewart was full of praise for captain Katie Teders’ performance against the ladder leaders.
“Teders, the gun, held up the backline on Sunday and played an amazing game. Her talk and pressure on the ball was outstanding. We can only keep improving.”
Lauderdale remain in last place on the ladder without a win. The Southern Bombers will take on Clarence in round 10.
Glenorchy 12.12 (84) def. Tigers 1.7 (13)
Goalkickers:
Glenorchy – N. Lynch 5, N. Daniels 3, E. Barwick, M. Shaw, G. Bailey, S. Skinner
Tigers – L. Ellis
Best Players:
Glenorchy – S. Skinner, E. Barwick, J. Tate Turvey, P. King, H. Smith, B. Barwick
Tigers – C. Brooke, H. Baldwin, G. Millar, R. Roberts, E. Doyle, E. Brereton
1. Glenorchy’s quick start ensures another win
Glenorchy kicked 12 goals to defeat the Tigers by 71 points in round nine.
‘Pies Captain, Nietta Lynch knew this clash was a potential danger game for her side.
“The Tigers had been looking good over the past two weeks, taking it up to Clarence and very nearly getting over North Launceston.
“I knew they were up and about and would come out hard, and only our best would get the job done.”
Glenorchy kicked four goals in the first term, something the side had put a key focus on.
“Getting off to a fast start is something we have been working on since round two.”
Lynch was the Pies leading goal kicker booting five for the side whilst Sarah Skinner was their best on ground.
“Best on ground for the day was a dead heat with Sarah Skinner and Elise Barwick. Both players were at their best with Sarah’s sweep around the packs and kicking accuracy, and Elise with her take off speed and endurance.
“Our girls played very well, and it was also good to really execute our structure which had been lacking a little for us, so that was a big positive.”
Glenorchy remain in second place on the ladder one game clear of North Launceston in third and two games behind ladder leader Launceston.
2. Tigers to use loss as a learning curve
The Tigers scored five behinds in the first half of the game and one goal two in the second half.
Their only goal scorer was Lilly Ellis, who, acknowledged that her side weren’t at their best.
“This game wasn’t one of our best. We were not playing with our usual drive and pressure and I think everyone could feel that on field including the opposition.”
The Tigers best on ground was Cara Brooke, while the efforts of the defensive unit also impressed.
“Brooke worked hard through the midfield applying pressure where it was lacking,” Ellis said.
“Those in our backline who hold up well down there week in week out again impressed. Ellie Doyle played extremely well against Nietta Lynch, who is a key forward for Glenorchy, she was often bursting out of the back and bombing it forward.
“Hailee Baldwin is an invaluable asset to the team [and] Gilly Millar rucked incredibly well after making her comeback from injury and missing pre-season.”
“Losses are what help us to improve and learn for next time,” Ellis said of her fifth-placed Tigers.
