Five things we learned… ‘Roos stun in Eastern Shore derby

It was first versus last in terms of ladder positions and while it shaped as one of the more uneventful Eastern Shore Derby’s in recent memory; what eventuated was one of the upsets of the season in a dominant display from cellar-dwellers Clarence over the top of the table Lauderdale.

Ryan Rosendale takes a look at five things we learned from the ‘Roos 22-point win over the Bombers.

CLARENCE’S UPSIDE FAR OUTWAYS IT’S DOWNSIDE

The developing Roos haven’t had the greatest of season’s but after challenging Glenorchy until three-quarter time last week, they definitely went into Saturday’s contest full of confidence they could match it with the Bombers.

That’s exactly what they did, leading at every break and eventually blowing the margin out to 40-points late in the last-quarter before junk-time goals to the Bombers trimmed the deficit.

The eventual 22-point victory came on the back of veterans Clint Riley, Jake Cox and the Bailey brothers – Jason and Ryan – and a host of young ‘Roos including Sam Green, Jacob Smith and the slightly more experienced Chris Nield, with the win proving that when things are going right for the ‘Roos, their upside is very, very good.

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JAKE COX IS A MAJOR DIFFERENCE TO CLARENCE’S FORWARD HALF

Anyone who forgot about Jake Cox’s importance to Clarence’s lineup during his injury-riddled absence was given a firm reminder of his damaging best in Saturday’s contest.

In his first game since round nine, Cox found himself matched on Josh McGuinness for the first half, getting his hands on the football as he worked his way into the contest.

However, when McGuinness failed to return after half-time through injury, Cox took full advantage and set-up two crucial goals to extend the margin and keep the momentum firmly in the home side’s favour.

With his return game from injury now in the books, Clarence will be hoping their superstar can stay on the park for the remainder of the season and show his damaging best is still good enough.

EDWARD TRUPP IS IN CONTENTION FOR TSL TEAM OF THE YEAR

While Saturday’s contest was one to forget for the Bombers, for defender Edward Trupp it was another impressive performance in what has been a stellar first season in the TSL.

The damaging half-back collected plenty of ball across the defensive 50 and did his best to set the Bombers up with some run and dash.

While his efforts weren’t enough to get his side going, his game was a clear indication that he should be considered for a maiden spot in the TSL Team of the Year come season’s end.

CHRIS NIELD KNOWS WHERE THE GOALS ARE

In a season where the ‘Roos have struggled to kick a winning score, forward Chris Nield has still somehow managed to find the scoreboard across multiple contests.

After kicking ten goals across the first 15 rounds, Nield has doubled that amount post-bye with his five goals in Saturday’s win the best of the bunch over the last three games.

With the ‘Roos and Nield full of confidence heading into the back-half of the season, don’t be surprised if the Clarence forwards opens a game up and kicks a damaging bag.

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THIS SATURDAY’S CLASH BETWEEN LAUDERDALE AND NORTH LAUNCESTON SHAPES AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT GAMES OF THE SEASON

With the southern Bombers now sitting just one game clear of their northern counterparts atop the TSL ladder, the make-up of this year’s top-two could all come down to Saturday’s clash at SkyBus Oval.

With Lauderdale having beaten North Launceston on their previous two occasions this season, Darren Winter’s men will be hoping they are able to rebound from only their third loss for the year and extend the gap on their rivals to sow-up top spot heading into the finals series.

Clarence 5.1, 10.6, 13.9, 15.11 (101)

Lauderdale 3.2, 6.4, 8.4, 12.7 (79)

GOALS

Clarence : C. Nield 5, J. Harper 3, K. Howlett 2, R. Bailey 2, J. Smith, B. Jones, K. Wylie

Lauderdale : A. Saunders 4, S. Siggins 2, N. Baker 2, S. Burge 2, H. Smith, R. Wiggins

BEST

Clarence : R. Bailey, S. Green, J. Cox, C. Riley, E. Jackson, Z. Buechner

Lauderdale : N. Franklin, N. Baker, A. Saunders