Glenorchy and Launceston battle it out in the wet

A wet, wild and brutal first semi-final of the TSL saw a bruising result in the clash between Glenorchy and Launceston

Jay Blackberry, Launceston (from left), John Geard, Glenorchy, and Grant Holt, Launceston, in the TSL semi-final. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

IT was as brutal as it was wet in a TSL first semi-final bruiser at KGV and despite taking Glenorchy to the cleaners to the tune of 60 points, Launceston coach Mitch Thorp is not prepared to declare his barnstorming Blues premiership contenders.

Launceston was brilliant from the opening bounce in the do-or-die final and a 3.1 to 1.1 opening term put the writing on the wall.

A wet weather masterclass in the second term, in which Glenorchy went goalless, intensified the building horror for the Magpie faithful and they could only sit and watch as the Blues built an inspiring 10-goal victory _ 12.16 (88) to 4.4 (28).

It was spearheaded by forward Dylan Riley, whose game-high six goals included 10 tackles, and his forward 50 colleague Jay Blackberry, who amassed 30 possessions and two goals.

Thorp could not help but be impressed.

“That’s the brand we’ve been trying to build all season — pressure and effort when the ball is there to be won, and running in a straight line,” he said.

“Our big boys around the football, Fletcher Seymour, Timmy Bristow and Jobi Harper were as good as I’ve seen at this level in these conditions.

“Their wok today was very special

“And to be plus-14 in clearances a big number against a good side.”

Glenorchy’s day went from bad to worse when forward Adam Roberts broke his wrist, Jaye Bowden and Aiden Grace were reported, and Magpie fans were clearly infuriated by the umpiring.

On the other hand, the busload of Launceston supporters were delighted to watch one of the best team performances of the TSL season.

Their Blues will now face the loser of the second semi-final in the preliminary final between North Launceston and Lauderdale next Saturday.

Does Launceston’s effort make it a premiership contender?

“Not at all,” Thorp said.

“Finishing fourth, we knew we had a pretty tough run in the finals and we probably felt like we were a bit better side than that [fourth].

“We started the year a little bit slow but our back end of the year has been incredibly strong.

“It’s based on youthful enthusiasm and working hard and wanting to get better, led by a couple of older boys like Timmy Bristow.

“They are credit to themselves.”

Launceston’s Jake Smith kept Grace, the TSL’s leading goal kicker, goalless for the second time this year and fellow-defender Miller Hodge gave the Blues rebound off half-back.