THIS WEEKS GAMES

THE WEEK THAT WAS | Review of last weeks games
To butcher a well known literary phrase, rumours of the reigning champion’s demise were
greatly exaggerated.
Dual reigning premier Clarence showed there is plenty
of fight in the old Roo yet with its best performance and
win of the season with a 17-point victory over North
Hobart. Coming off recent poor form, everyone was
gunning for the Roos. Certainly their start did not allay
any fears as the Demons jumped out of the blocks,
leading by 27 points during the second term. But the
Roos led by their best player, Cameron Thurley, charged
back into the contest to be only a goal down at the long
break. Thurley was simply irresistible, booting five goals
as Clarence opened up a 20-point lead before having to
withstand a North Hobart rally. However, Thurley sealed
the victory with a classic left-foot snap to finish the
contest. Trent Standen also chimed in with four goals,
while Caden Wilson was close to being the matchwinner
for the Demons with six.
But all the clubs are chasing league-leaders
Launceston. The Blues hosted an improving Burnie in
round six, but sent the Dockers home with a 56-point
defeat. Brian Finch at full forward did most damage
with a bag of eight. Unusually playing forward instead
of his usual defensive post, Gary Shipton was best
afield across the half forward line and kicked four
goals – just another avenue to goal for the most
attacking team in the competition.
Lauderdale recorded a 73-point win over Devonport.
Key forward Jamie Di Ienno kept his purple-patch
going for the Bombers with four goals as the visitors
started with a seven goal to two first term and never
looked back, despite four goals from Magpie Phil
Crowden.
A change of coach at South Launceston did not bring
a change of fortune under the Aurora Stadium lights
with a 67-point loss to North Launceston. Injured
captain Mitch Hills has taken over the reins from
Dale Chugg after Chugg and the Bulldogs parted
company mid-week but the headaches remain
the same. The Bulldogs remain rooted to the foot
of the table and are yet to open their account in
2011. Medium-sized forward Darren Crawford was
unstoppable for North booting six goals.
Launceston is now two games clear on top thanks
to the big upset of the round with Hobart downing
Glenorchy by 27 points. The Magpies kicked an
amazing 2.10 in the first quarter, and with the door
ajar, the Tigers pounced with a seven goal to two
second term. The Tigers were able to withstand the
predictable Glenorchy comeback before marching
away for its best win of the season. For Hobart,
Bryden Goninon and Aaron Hall kicked four apiece
while big Todd Willing dominated the ruck.
BURNING QUESTIONs:
Having disposed of South Launceston again, can
North Launceston give its season some legitimacy by
defeating a top five team when it hosts North Hobart
next round?
After back to back losses, are previously high-flying
Glenorchy now in a deep trough?
The Torch
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