Launceston wins TSL grand final with brutal win over North Launceston
There is a new sheriff in town, Launceston’s coach has declared after the most brutal TSL grand final on record, with the slugfest leaving the Match Review Panel preparing for a busy day.
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THERE’S a new king of the North as Launceston literally fought its way onto the throne with a courageous 13-point win over the mighty Northern Bombers at UTAS Stadium in a ferocious and bloody TSL grand final.
It was a slugfest from start to finish as the two sides hit each other with everything they had until Launceston broke the deadlock late in the final term to win one for the ages – 8.4 (52) to 5.9 (39).
BLUES ‘BEAST’ NAMED GRAND FINAL’S BEST
Blues coach Mitch Thorp was so exhausted when the final siren sounded he slumped to the ground while his players went crazy.
The lead changed three times in the final term and there was little more than a few points between them until Jay Blackberry’s goal at the 17-minute mark started a run of three, with Darrel Baldock Medallist Jobi Harper and Jared Dakin putting the icing on the cake.
Launceston sang the song so loud in the change rooms some covered their ears and an emotional Thorp had trouble getting out his words to address his players.
Later he said there was a new sheriff in town.
“I am a proud coach. I couldn’t have a better group,” he said.
“It was the most intense game of football I’ve ever played in, and I’ve played in different competitions.
“The physical combat the two teams threw at each other was like nothing I’ve experienced before.”
Launceston also won the Development League and TSLW premierships, and have the under-18s in the grand final on Sunday.
“We won three grand finals today, and I don’t think that’s ever happened before, it may never happen again, and we’re backing the 18s to get up tomorrow,” Thorp said.
It was a tough opening term with numerous skirmishes.
North Launceston defender Arion Richter-Salter dropped a spark into the powder keg at the quarter-time break when he dropped Ryan Tyrell between the huddles with a bump.
It caught the eye of Thorp and it exploded into an all-in brawl.
It super-charged Launceston, which came out swinging in the second with Blackberry and Fletcher Seymour, who was at the centre of the fight, drilling goals in the first two minutes.
Dylan Riley joined in entering time-on when he marked a brilliantly weighted kicked from Blackberry which landed on his chest in front of goal.
When the half-time siren sounded, the Blues led 19-12 and more punches were thrown.
The TSL Match Review Panel had better take a packed lunch when they conduct their process on Monday. They will be there for a while.
The third quarter was tight, but North managed two goals – to Tom Bennett in the opening minute and Brad Cox-Goodyer in the last minute.
It set the scene for a ripping finish, and it was close until Blackberry’s goal changed the course of the game.
“To run over the top of them late was exactly how we scripted it,” Thorp said.
“We knew it was going to be tough, we knew there was going to be blood spilt, and there was.
“I assume it was a very good game to watch.”
In the Development League grand final, Launceston beat North Launceston 3.4 (22) to 2.7 (19) with Blues ruckman Hamish Leedham winning the best afield medal.
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