Wrest Point TSLW Preliminary Final Preview

Glenorchy and Clarence will battle it out in the Preliminary Final of the Wrest Point Tasmanian State League Women’s finals series for a spot in the 2019 Grand Final against Launceston, writes TSLW Reporter Olivia Clayton.

PRELIMINARY FINAL

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER

Glenorchy v. Clarence (Blundstone Arena) – 9:30am

Head to Head in 2019: Glenorchy – 3, Clarence – 0

Form Guide (most recent first): Glenorchy – L W W W W | Clarence – W L L W W

Blundstone Arena will witness a playoff between 2018 Grand Finalists Glenorchy and Clarence for a spot in this year’s Grand Final. The ‘Roos finished third on the ladder with eight wins. The Pies came in second place with 12 wins and so far, have only been defeated by Launceston.

Previous meetings:

Round 6, 2019:

Their first encounter saw Glenorchy notch a 16-point win over the ‘Roos at KGV in the Grand Final rematch. The Pies kicked 2.1 to the Roos’ three goals in the opening term. Glenorchy took back the lead in the second quarter kicking 4.2 to Clarence’s one behind.

The Roos came back in the third term to level the score to 44 points apiece but were unable to match Glenorchy’s two final quarter majors, which sealed the result.

Natalie Daniels, Elise Barwick and Jasmine Tate Turvey kicked two goals each for the Pies and their best on ground was Katie Stanford.

Jessie Williams was dynamic with five goals for the ‘Roos, and Darcy Elliston was the side’s best on ground.

Round 11, 2019:

Glenorchy were 25-point winners in their second encounter. The Pies kicked three goals in the opening term to Clarence’s 1.2. The ‘Roos were unable to score in the second quarter and Glenorchy kicked another goal to increase their lead to 20 points at half time.

The Pies were unable to score in the third term and Clarence threatened to run over the top with two goals of their own, but a three-goal final term saw Glenorchy run away with the win.

Nietta Lynch and Sarah Skinner kicked two goals apiece for the Pies and their best on ground was Brieanna Barwick.

Netty Garlo, Georgia Alomes and Jessie Williams kicked the ‘Roos three goals and Alomes was the side’s best on ground.

Round 16, 2019:

The final home and away round saw Glenorchy emerge 21-point winners after they defeated Clarence at KGV.

Clarence kicked 2.2 in the opening term and held the Pies to just one behind. Glenorchy took back the lead in the second quarter kicking three goals, to the ‘Roos two behinds, to finish with a three-point lead at half time.

The third term saw Clarence kick one behind to the Pies 1.3, with Glenorchy adding another goal to their score in the final term while keeping the ‘Roos scoreless to record a 21-point win.

Clarence Captain, Grace Mitchell, said “the girls had strong first quarter with two goals, from there unfortunately, we were unable to kick any majors which Glenorchy took advantage of.”

Melanie Wise was named as best on ground in her 50^th club game and Brianna McDonald booted all of Clarence’s majors.

Glenorchy Captain, Nietta Lynch, said “It was a tough day at the office for us, with our head coach and an assistant coach going down with illness late in the week, it was a big ask for Dean Webster, but he stepped up and got the girls over the line.

“Clarence were out to prove themselves and started the game hot. After the first quarter our girls started to chip away showing each other that when our backs are against the wall, we can work together to get the job done.”

Lynch scored the most goals for the side with three to her name and Sarah Skinner was named as best on ground.

This week’s focus:

This match up not only hosts lots of talent in each side but also showcases close matches. We can see this through the 2018 Grand Final which saw Clarence in front for the first three quarters by a few points. Glenorchy then kicked a couple of scores late in the final term to win the biggest game of the season by two points in thrilling fashion.

This season has been no different, and although Glenorchy have won each encounter so far, every match has been a see-saw with the lead exchanging hands.

Clarence’s Captain, Grace Mitchell, says “I think we match up well against Glenorchy, so it’s definitely a game that we could win. We’ll put on our best performance and hopefully get in to the Grand Final.”

Glenorchy Assistant Coach, Sandy Eaton, says “I think this weekend’s game against Clarence will be an exciting game to watch. They are a different team to the one we played in the Grand final last year but have improved considerably throughout the year and are looking very dangerous.”

“We have the confidence and belief that we can win against them this weekend but know we have to play at our best which will also give us the momentum we want if we progress through.”