Dees smash ‘Roos to end winless run

IC: Nikki Davis-Jones (Mercury)

North Hobart has broken through for its first win of the 2019 Bupa Tasmanian State League season, recording a 55-point victory over Clarence at North Hobart Oval.

A 413-day drought between victories came to an emphatic end for the red and blue with Demon Colin Garland booting eight goals, TSL Digital Reporter Grant Jessup writes.

The opening ten minutes were an arm wrestle but the Demons made the most of their opportunities, taking a 13 point lead into quarter time.

From this point on, North Hobart took complete control of the match, with an eight goal to zero second term putting the result beyond any doubt.

A game-ending leg injury to Clarence playing-coach Jeromey Webberley only added to the visitors’ woes at the main break.

The ‘Roos were far more composed in the second half, kicking the first major of the third term. However, they could not halt North Hobart’s momentum with the Demons providing plenty of supply to Colin Garland, who kicked five goals in the second half.

The midfield battle was crucial to the final result through the hard work of Demons quartet Sam Darley, Nathan McCulloch, Jayden Charlton and Sam Caswell.

Young gun Callum Kilpatrick gave North Hobart plenty of run across half-back while Angus Norton made his presence felt on the wing.

‘Roos veterans Brady Jones, Ryan Bailey and Clint Riley fought valiantly throughout the day.

North Hobart coach Richard ‘Bear’ Robinson said the result was a reward for all the hard work his players have put in since August 2018.

“It’s just nice to see a smile on their faces,” he said.

“I was confident [that] if we [brought] the same application that we had at training on Tuesday, to the game today, we’d come away with a win.”

Colin Garland’s explosive return did not come as a surprise to Robinson.

“The way he moved on Tuesday night [at training] I thought, think he might be on this week,” Robinson said.

“Not only does [Garland] kick goals but he gives the crumbers the confidence to get front and centre, and gives them the opportunity to score as well.”

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Robinson already has his sights set on next week’s challenge.

“We’ll enjoy tonight but make sure, once tomorrow comes, [we] start preparing to play Lauderdale next week.”

Clarence playing-coach Jeromey Webberley said his side was outplayed by a hungry opposition.

“I thought they were outstanding today, their pressure around the ball was first class.”

Webberley still found some positives from the result.

“We saw some signs today, Sam Green, he played his best game for the club. He was really strong in defence and took some fantastic intercept marks.”

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Debutant Lachie Borsboom also made a solid start to his Senior TSL career in the red and white.

“Everytime he got the ball, he looked dangerous,” Webberley said.

In further good news for the ‘Roos, Webberley is confident his leg injury will not keep him out of Clarence’s Round 16 clash with North Launceston.

However, the ‘Roos coach concedes that the club has plenty of work ahead.

“It’s just the reality of where we’re at.”

“The only way we can continue going forward is just to put our head down, bum up,” Webberley said.

“We’ve got to stick strong together, see it out.”

North Hobart                            3.2,  9.3,  12.4,  16.4  (100)

Clarence                                1.1,  1.7,  2.11,  5.15  (45)

GOALS

North Hobart : C. Garland 8, S. Darley 2, N. McCulloch 2, S. Caswell 1, N. Lee 1, T. Millhouse 1, A. Norton 1

Clarence : O. Preshaw 1, J. Harper 1, J. Bailey 1, T. Marshall 1, R. Bailey 1

BEST

North Hobart : C. Kilpatrick, C. Garland, S. Darley, N. McCulloch, A. Norton, H. Williams

Clarence : R. Bailey, S. Green, C. Riley, L. Borsboom, B. Jones