Lauderdale moves one step closer to TSL finals by smashing Launceston

Launceston slipped from top spot on the TSL ladder after a 63-point thumping at the hands of Lauderdale that even the Bombers coach could not see coming.

Lauderdale’s Oscar Shaw and Launceston’s Dylan Riley collide as they challenge for the ball. Picture: Chris Kidd

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A FEROCIOUS attitude and a well-executed plan brought down the TSL’s ladder leader Launceston in a State League ripper at Lauderdale Oval and put the Bombers on target for a grand final berth for the fourth year in a row.

Last week, they were blindsided by Clarence at Richmond Oval but the Bombers responded with a statement piece against the toughest, meanest side in the TSL.

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Lauderdale’s 18.7 (115) to 7.10 (52) demolition showed how dangerous it will be as the coronavirus-shortened season closes quickly on the finals.

Even Bombers coach Darren Winter was surprised by the magnitude of the win.

“You don’t expect to come up against Launceston and walk away with a big win, but that’s what can happen if you’ve got everybody on the same page when you come out to play,” he said.

“That’s about the best we’ve played for a long time.

“This team can achieve some pretty good things going into the next five weeks.”

Lauderdale’s Harry Richmond and Launceston’s Jacob Boyd contest a mark. Picture: Chris Kidd

It was Launceston’s third game in 10 days and it took its toll on the Blues physically and mentally, but despite losing top spot on the ladder, coach Mitch Thorp was not using that as an excuse.

“We got beaten by a better side,” Thorp said.

“Footy is a tough game and you’ve got to turn up each week. It won’t just happen.

“Lauderdale played like a side that was desperate to be part of the finals series and we just turned up thinking it was going to happen.”

Even though Launceston kicked the first goal, the writing was on the wall early when Lauderdale’s big boys showed they had come to play.

Toutai Havea kicked two goals in the first, and Sam Siggins and ruckman Haydn Smith also kicked majors.

Lauderdale’s Alex Hevey marks strongly. Picture: Chris Kidd

Siggins drilled two in a minute to open the second, and second-gamer Sam Tilley kicked the only other goal of the quarter a minute after that, before the contest became a bruising stalemate.

Lauderdale’s plan to tag Launceston ball-winning machine Jobi Harper with Bryce Walsh worked, even though the Blues’ beast bobbed up with two excellent goals in the third. At times it took two Bombers to bring down the big bull at the stoppages.

Half-back Josh McGuinness gave the Bombers run and stun in his new role on the ball, young gun Harry Richmond kicked a game-high five goals while at the other end Oscar Shaw kept the TSL’s leading goal kicker Dylan Riley to one and Will Poland made it a “bagel” for Thorp.