The Wrap Up: Wrest Point TSLW Elimination Final

Week one of the Wrest Point TSLW finals saw Clarence notch the win and progress to the Preliminary Final. Wrest Point TSLW reporter Olivia Clayton looks at the match.

Clarence 8.7 (55) def. North Launceston 3.3 (21)

Goalkickers:

Clarence – K. Johnson 2, N. Bresnehan, G. Blackburn, J. Williams, A. Prokopiec, B. McDonald, B. Oates

North Launceston – K. Hennessy, M. Cuthbertson, H. Breward

Best Players:

Clarence – N. Bresnehan, M. Wise, D. Elliston, A. Prokopiec, J. Williams, N. Pearce

North Launceston – B. Farrell, E. Mckenzie, R. Wilson, S. Farrow, K. Hennessy, E. McKinnell

Clarence came out 34-point winners against North Launceston in the first semi-final at Blundstone Arena.

The ‘Roos kicked 4.2 in the opening term to the Northern Bombers one goal. The second quarter saw North Launceston add two behinds to their score and Clarence kick 2.2 to lead by 32 points at half time. The Northern Bombers kicked 2.1 in the final half, but Clarence kicked another 2.3 to get the win.

Clarence Captain, Grace Mitchell thought her side’s efforts were strong.

“I think we had a solid start, we kept that going in the second quarter, then after half time we kind of lost the momentum a bit.”

Mitchell says Darcy Elliston and Mel Wise were standouts on the day. Katherine Johnson was the ‘Roos leading goal kicker with two and their best on ground was vice-captain Nicole Bresnehan.

The ‘Roos advance to the preliminary final and will return in a week’s time to play the loser from this week’s second semi-final between Glenorchy and Launceston for a spot in the Grand Final.

Clarence were 2018 minor premiers and competed for the main title against Glenorchy but were defeated by two points. The ‘Roos will no doubt return fighting in order to get another chance at winning the flag.

Bonnie Farrell was North Launceston’s best on ground and Kara Hennessy, Maggie Cuthbertson and Hayley Breward kicked one goal apiece.

North Launceston made a strong start in their inaugural year when they kept Lauderdale scoreless and finished the match with 111 points.

Over the season they have continued to develop and gel as a side. They finished fourth on the ladder with six wins and did defeat Clarence in round nine by 11 points.

The Northern Bombers have seen several of its players make the Devils Academy side with Hayley Breward, Kara Hennessy and Bonnie Farrell among those named.

Captain Jodie Clifford and assistant coach Maggie Cuthbertson have all had stellar seasons, as has Emily McKinnell who has kicked the most goals for the club with 25 this season.

Going in to the game, North Launceston coach, Dean Smith said that “our goal when we entered the TSLW was to make finals in our inaugural year and we’ve achieved that.”