Ugly game for Glenorchy as Launceston bullies the young, undermanned Pies

Glenorchy’s trip north started horribly even before the match started and never got any better on way to a thrashing at the hands of Launceston.

Launceston’s Jobi Harper was unstoppable against Glenorchy. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

GLENORCHY received four big blows prior to the opening bounce but many more during the match as Launceston left the Pies black and blue.

Launceston feasted on the weakened Magpie carcass, storming to a 97-point win, 17.16 (118) to 3.3 (21) at Windsor Park.

ALL THE TSL STATS

North Hobart v North Launceston

Clarence v Lauderdale

Glenorchy v Launceston

With big midfielder Mitch Rainbird suspended midweek, Glenorchy was then rocked by the late withdrawals of star Jaye Bowden, Ben Kamaric, Riley Oakley and Adam Roberts from its named 22 and lost another midfielder, James Webb, to concussion in the opening quarter.

It allowed the Blues midfield to dine out, with bull Jobi Harper stuffing his face with 39 touches, 12 contested possessions and 11 clearances to go alongside a game high three goals.

His offsiders in Fletcher Seymour, Jay Blackberry and Jared Dakin had a field day feeding the ball forward, with the Blues having 10 different goal kickers.

The stats tell the story of the one-sided game, with Launceston taking the ball inside 50m 58 times to the Pies 20, and taking 26 marks inside 50 to just four in what could have been an even bigger belting.

The Pies team had 11 players 20 and under and coach Paul Kennedy hopes his young players don’t carry any scars going into next Sunday’s vital game with the Tigers.

“We talked after the game how we can’t let this week drag into next week,” Kennedy said.

“Next week is a hugely important game for us

“We had a really good performance the week before against Clarence so we have to make sure we go into our next game as that team.

“We will get some good experience and talent back so we should go into our next game with confidence.

“This season is too short to worry about today.”

Glenorchy coach Paul Kennedy. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

It was the perfect day for Blues coach Mitch Thorp, who’s side not only got through uninjured but increased its percentage lead on cross town rival North Launceston in the race for top spot.

Thorp said while percentage was never a goal going into a game, he did acknowledge its importance to pip the Northern Bombers for the minor premiership.

“The last two games we’ve won by 90-odd points [against the Tigers and Magpies], so we can’t really do much more than that in shortened games,” Thorp said.

“You always like to finish on top, psychologically it is a little thing you want to tick off. We’ve played North twice and won one each but we’d like to finish on top that’s for sure.”