SOME impressive performances from Tasmanian talent in the National Under 18s Championships helped the Allies get over the line against Vic Country, while Clarence and North Launceston were too good for their opponents.

Mariners help Allies to opening win over Vic Country

With nine players included in the starting lineup, it was inevitable that the Allies’ first Under 18 National Championship performance would have a distinct Tasmanian flavour. Mariners skipper Chayce Jones was arguably best afield, adapting well to the tough conditions to finish with 28 disposals, six tackles, five clearances and two goals from midfield. Academy Series MVP and North Melbourne Next Generation Academy (NGA) member Tarryn Thomas was quieter than usual, but still managed 17 touches in various roles, while bottom-age talent Mitch O’Neill found the ball 26 times from the wing. Other Apple Isle products to make their mark on the game were Matthew McGuiness, who didn’t quite accumulate as many possessions, but tackled hard and willed himself at the contest, alongside defender Nicholas Baker, who rebounded well and was rarely beaten. 

With 13 players selected in the overall Allies squad, the four Tassie boys left out of the first game will have to work hard to break into a winning combination. The Allies next take on Vic Metro at Southport Oval on Saturday June 16 in Round 2 of the National Championships. A replay of the Round 1 game can be found here.

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BUPA TSL Round 11 Wrap

Launceston 6.11.47 defeated by Clarence 13.10.88

In arguably the game of the round, Clarence comfortably accounted for Launceston to hold on to second spot on the ladder with a game in hand. A five goals to two second term set up the 41-point win, with Chris Nield booting five majors to back up his bag of four in the previous round. He was aided well by Jake Cox, who managed his fourth three-goal game for the season to carry the Roos home. Despite their goal kicking efforts, the key to victory was keeping the dangerous Launceston forward duo of Mitch Thorp and Sonny Whiting to just one goal between them, considering they had combined for a previous season tally of 55. While the Blues have the bye in Round 12, Clarence face the challenge of meeting ladder leaders North Launceston in the week to come.

North Launceston 26.11.167 defeated North Hobart 6.1.37

A 19 goal second half helped table toppers North Launceston demolish cellar dwellers North Hobart by 130 points. Holding a mere 18-point buffer at the main break, the Bombers held North to a solitary goal afterwards, with 11 different goal kickers and three players booting more than five each. Dakota Bannister was named best afield for his five-goal haul, while Zachary Burt and Bradley Cox-Goodyer were stiff to miss out on being named in the best with their respective bags of five and six goals. For North Hobart, Nathan Mcculloch continued his consistent season to be named in the best alongside Hugh Williams in what proved to be another tough day out. They face a Glenorchy side hungry to climb the ladder next round, while the Bombers face Clarence in a top of the table showdown.

Glenorchy 16.6.102 defeated Tigers 11.10.76   

Despite suffering a half-time deficit, Glenorchy accounted for equal-last placed Tigers comfortably enough at KGV by way of 11 second-half goals. Matthew Joseph booted five majors to be adjudged best afield, while teammate Jaye Bowden continued his good form of late with another bag of three goals – his second in the last three games. For Tigers, Luke Graham snared two goals to be named with Blake Grant among their side’s best players. The Pies will travel to North Hobart on Saturday, while Tigers will be looking to grab their second win of the year when they face fifth place Lauderdale.     

Bye: Lauderdale