Nathan McCulloch leads North Hobart to victory in first win as captain as Dees tame the TSL Tigers

North Hobart has come out on top in a heart-stopper at the Twin Ovals in TSL round two but the winning coach was “filthy”. Here’s why.

Action from round 2 of the TSL between the Tigers v North Hobart from Kingston Twin Ovals. Tigers Cooper Sawdy and North Hobart's Hamish Allan compete in the ruck. Picture: Zak Simmonds

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IT was Nathan’s McCulloch’s first win as Demons skipper and the euphoria was palpable at the Twin Ovals on Saturday when his captain’s game inspired North Hobart to a thrilling victory over the TSL Tigers.

After scaring the pants off reigning premier North Launceston in the opening round last Saturday, North Hobart showed its potential for a place in the top four by upsetting the home side 12.3 (75) to 9.11 (65).

The game that sold out in two hours on Monday was fast and furious, and with the scores tied at three quarter-time, those who scored a ticket and the 100 or so watching through the fence were set for a doozy in the run home.

The final term kicked off with the Tigers dominating inside 50s but they wasted opportunities kicking three behinds.

North Hobart rubbed salt into the wound by taking the ball down the other end where talented teenager Patrick Walker kicked the goal that gave it the lead for the first time.

The Tigers responded decisively. Key forward Cooper Sawdy kicked two goals inside a minute to give them back the lead and a seven-point buffer.

North Hobart’s Baxter Norton goes for goal. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

But the last three goals went to the Demons through onballers Baxter Norton and Troy Cunliffe, and towering ruckman Hamish Allen, who sealed the deal with a strong pack mark and goal in the goal square with 1m42s to play.

North Hobart coach Richard Robinson was not happy at half-time when the Dees trailed by nine points but sucking on a lemon would not have wiped the smile off his face after the final siren.

“I was filthy at half-time because I thought we were pretty ordinary and lucky to be so close,” Robinson said.

“The boys responded and got the win and it’s reward for effort cause they’ve been training their backsides off.

“It’s tough to come down here and beat them, so full credit to our boys.”

The confidence boost was well-timed as the young Dees meet undefeated Lauderdale at North Hobart Oval on Saturday.

“It gives them some belief,” Robinson said.

“As a coach you try to sell them hope but you can only sell so much hope – if you’re not getting the wins it makes that hard.

“It gives us all a bit of confidence. It gives me confidence as a coach, it gives the playing group confidence.

“We’ve got a massive game next week but we will enjoy this win and worry about that on Monday.”