The Wrap – Round 4
IC: Solstice Digital
By Joseph Vasquez
Good Friday marked another great weekend of TSL football, with Launceston crushing their crosstown rival North Launceston, Clarence coming form behind to be victorious against Lauderdale, and Kingborough outclassing the Demons.
First off, it was a textbook performance from the Blues at their home Windsor Park against the younger North Launceston outfit on a day that saw the two clubs competing for the Phil Edwards trophy, named in honour of the late Examiner journalist. Launceston dominated early and never looked back, stretching the margin further as the match continued. After the final siren, the premiers ran out 18.22.130 to 3.5.23 winners.
All of the Launceston stars were firing, with Jake Hinds (4.3, 13 disposals), Jobi Harper (3.1, 27 disposals), Jackson Thurlow (2.1, 20 disposals), Brodie Palfreyman (one goal, 24 disposals), and Fletcher Seymour (one goal, 22 disposals) all playing big parts in the victory. Harper won the Adam Sanders medal as best on ground for his fine performance which included three goals and 27 touches.
Despite a tough loss, North Launceston’s Fletcher Bennett (28 disposals), Ben Simpson (21 disposals) and Jack Avent (one goal, 19 disposals) all fought hard for their side. And in his 100th TSL match, Bomber spearhead Tom Bennett kicked a consolation major in his milestone game.
FULL TIME at Windsor Park and the Blues flex their muscle with a commanding win. 💪
🔵🔵 @LauncestonFC 18.22 (130)
🔴⚫️ @NLFC_Bombers 3.5 (23) pic.twitter.com/FbYSmWxFuP— TSL (@TasStateLeague) April 15, 2022
Next, it was the Battle of the Eastern Shore at SkyBus Oval, with Lauderdale and Clarence going head-to-head. The Bombers flew high early, kicking five goals to one in the opening term to lead by 27 points at quarter time.
However, the Roos narrowed down the margin to 19 points at the half and then 13 points at three quarter time, slowly gaining momentum. In the final term, the floodgates opened for Clarence, who kicked six goals to one to lead by 17 points with a few minutes remaining. Lauderdale remained in the game with two quick goals in a row, but the red and white held on for a five-point win (Clarence 14.14.98 to the Bombers’ 13.15.93).
Baxter Norton (one goal, 23 disposals), Keegan Wylie (26 disposals), Mitchell Rainbird (2.3, 23 disposals), Ollie Preshaw (two goals, 10 disposals), and Jarrod Harper (23 disposals) all starred for the Roos, while veteran Colin Garland continued his great form in front of goal with 5.2 and 10 touches.
Despite their heart-breaking loss, Lauderdale big guns like Allen Christensen (four goals, 16 disposals), Harry Richmond (3.2, 12 disposals) Haydn Smith (16 disposals, 56 hit-outs), Will Poland (18 disposals, five intercept marks, six one percenters), and Sam Siggins (0.6, 24 disposals) all were dominant. It was also quite an occasion for key forward Michael Blackburn, who in his Lauderdale debut amassed only five touches but kicked two important goals, a solid effort in his return to TSL football.
ICYMI | Mitch Rainbird’s clutch hanger is our Cripps Fresh Play of the Week for round four! pic.twitter.com/rsBhFWh4cA
— TSL (@TasStateLeague) April 18, 2022
Finally, it was an interesting match-up at the Twin Ovals between Kingborough and North Hobart. The hosts outclassed the Demons in every term and the gap between the two teams became larger and larger on the scoreboard and across the ground. Despite an inaccurate second half, Kingborough still won big, a final score of 16.16.112 to 9.4.58.
Lachlan Clifford (three goals, 25 disposals), Tyler Carter (3.1, 15 disposals), Edward Cole (two goals, 31 disposals), and Jordan Lane (4.4, 16 disposals) all were potent in front of the sticks for the yellow and black, and others such as Kieran Lovell (42 disposals), Riley Ashlin (one behind, 26 disposals), and Zach Adams (19 disposals) played well in the 54-point victory.
For the defeated North Hobart, Samuel Caswell (29 disposals), Lachlan Murphy-Dale (two goals, 20 disposals), George McLeod (one goal, 31 disposals), and Callum Kilpatrick (two goals, 24 disposals) all played with pride for the red and blue.
After their bye this weekend, Glenorchy will host their first game against the in-form Kingborough at KGV Oval, and Launceston will host Clarence at Windsor Park (both matches to be played on Saturday afternoon on April 23). Then, a prime ANZAC Day clash will take place at North Hobart Oval between the Dees and Lauderdale.
