The Wrap Up: Wrest Point TSLW 2nd Semi Final
Launceston defeated Glenorchy in the second week of the Wrest Point TSLW finals series to lock in a spot at this year’s Grand Final, TSLW reporter Olivia Clayton looks at the match.
Launceston Football Club 3.4, 4.5, 5.12, 5.15 (45)
Glenorchy Football Club 0.1, 0.3, 1.3, 4.5 (29)
GOALS
Launceston: B. Rattray 2, C. Haines 1, D. Taylor 1, A. Green 1
Glenorchy: S. Skinner 2, N. Daniels 1, H. Ryan 1
BEST
Launceston: D. Taylor, D. Bannister, C. Thuringer, K. Hill, J. Guy, L. Haines
Glenorchy: K. Stanford, N. Lynch, S. Skinner, G. Sullivan, R. Siely, B. Barwick
Launceston defeated Glenorchy by 16 points to notch a spot in the 2019 TSLW Grand Final.
The Blues dominated in the first half kicking 3.4 to the ‘Pies one behind in the opening term. A further goal in the second term saw the Blues take a 26-point lead into the main break after dominating the inside 50 count.
The third term saw Launceston again control much of the play, but inaccuracy remained a feature, with the hosts kicking 1.7.
Holly Ryan eventually broke the deadlock for the Magpies, kicking their first goal late in the term.
This goal saw the Magpies carry some momentum into the final term, with Glenorchy giving the undefeated Blues a slight scare with three unanswered goals in a fast finish.
The Magpies left their run too late, with the Blues doing enough earlier in the game to book a direct ticket to the 2019 decider.
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Launceston coach, Ange Dickson was full of praise for how Glenorchy fought the game out.
“Glenorchy are a side that never give up. We knew all game that they would surge at some stage of the game, but we were confident in our ability to control the game when needed.
“Our inaccuracy in front of goal kept them within arm’s reach and we need to make sure on Grand Final Day that we don’t do the same thing again.”
Brie Rattray kicked the most goals for the side with two and Dearne Taylor was best on ground for the Blues.
“Taylor was fantastic for the first half of the game. Her ability to win the inside ball was outstanding and her defensive pressure was the best it’s been all year”, says Dickson.
Dickson also commended Kelsie Hill and Daria Bannister’s efforts on the day.
“Hill was outstanding on the wing. Her run and carry and ability to create a contest was amazing. For such a young player she played well above her years on Sunday.
“Bannister again lead from the front and really stood up to charge the momentum of the game in the last quarter when needed it.”
Glenorchy Assistant coach, Sandy Eaton, says her side could take big positives from the clash.
“We went into the game knowing we had to play at our best to beat Launceston on their home turf. We were really impressed with the girls’ effort, especially in the second half.
“We have been working hard on our defensive efforts and I think that showed on the scoreboard with Launceston’s points tally. We know we still have a lot of work to do, but the girls are growing in confidence and have a real belief they can take this all the way again this season.”
Sarah Skinner was the Pies leading goal kicker with two, which both came in the final quarter. The side’s best on ground was Katie Stanford.
“Stanford played her role extremely well and her hard work and willingness to put her body on the line for her team was fantastic”, says Eaton.
“We left the game with incredible confidence because of the whole team effort shown during this game. In saying that there were a number of individual efforts that helped us to close the gap on Launceston.
“Thomasa Corrie was again fantastic through our backline and Nietta Lynch played a real Captain’s game. Brieanna Barwick was dominant again through the midfield and Sarah Skinner’s willingness to play and impact in all zones on the field is a real asset.”
Glenorchy will play Clarence in this week’s preliminary final at Blundstone Arena, with the winner of that clash to take on Launceston in the decider.
