Bombers show grit as they book grand final ticket

For one of the few times this year they were seriously challenged by a spirited Clarence on Sunday. But North Launceston showed they can win in different ways with a brutal 15 minute surge in the wet to book a TSL grand final berth.

North Launceston's Harry Elmer breaks a tackle. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

It was a devastating 15 minutes of contested football which showed why North Launceston is unbeaten this season.

Known for their speed and ability to run teams ragged, the Bombers put the hard hats on in the wet after a spirited Clarence challenge in Sunday’s 13.10 (88) to 6.5 (41) TSL preliminary final win at UTAS Stadium.

The hosts booked a home grand final, but had to respond after the Roos booted four-goals-to-one either side of half-time to close to just three points early in the third quarter.

But North Launceston upped their intensity in constant rain, particularly around the contest. They took territory at all costs and scored four straight goals to set up a match-winning 27 point lead at the last change.

After booting two goals when moved forward in their last game against Kingborough, Bomber Bailey Mitchell continued that form with four goals as his side sealed a grand final date at UTAS Stadium in a fortnight.

Without the injured Blade Sulzberger, who is in no danger of missing the grand final, Jack Avent was outstanding at the coal face, especially when the Roos were pressing hard.

The Bombers will also have suspended trio Oscar Van Dam, Lockie Mitchell and Brandon Leary available for the last-ever TSL decider.

Given all are certain to return after their one-match bans, coach Adrian Smith faces some welcome but difficult selection calls.

He was proud of his team’s response when the Roos asked some serious questions.

“They came at us and we had to grind it out. Once we got our craft up and about around the footy, we were able to get territory and the forwards did their thing,” he said.

“The flexibility in our group is really important, we had some guys playing different roles. “Mitch (Nicholas, returning from hamstring injury) playing around the ball was super.

“And good on Bailey, he took his moments and helped set the tone. He had that glint in his eye, he’s got that raw ability and has been playing across half back.”

Key inside midfielder Michael Stingel emerged unscathed after returning from a few weeks out with injury.

Smith reserved special praise for Avent, who was enormous around the ball after playing half-back in recent weeks.

“It’s been more than ten years (he’s been doing it). A few soldiers down in our midfield, he was phoneomenol,” Smith said.

“I told him we needed him to do a job today and I don’t know how many he had, he played tough surge footy.”

Clarence will now host Lauderdale in next week’s preliminary final.

Bailey Mitchell kicks a goal for North Launceston. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

The Bombers jumped out of the gates brilliantly when a snapped Mitchell goal just ten seconds into the contest was quickly followed by another from Will Manshanden.

But Clarence’s defence managed to quell repeated entries for the rest of the term as rain began to fall, and their efforts were rewarded when Josh Green dribbled through a superb goal 40 metres out from the pocket.

Mitchell booted another two majors in the second quarter to give the Bombers a 22 point lead.

James Glover responded for Clarence with a ground ball goal as the second quarter entered time on.

He backed it up with another with a 40 metre set shot as the Roos closed to within 11 points.

However Bombers talisman Brad Cox-Goodyer showed his class with one of the goals of the year.

Clarence's Liam Howard looks to handball. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Cox-Goodyer gathered a ball he knocked out from the ruck, and snapped it home from the deep right pocket.

Clarence closed to within ten points when an ill-advised aggressive kick out after a behind from Harry Bayles results in a set shot goal to Roos forward Bryce Alomes.

Another brilliant goal from a stoppage by Green early in the third quarter saw the visitors close to just three points.

But the Bombers found a couple of extra gears when it mattered most to continue their unblemished year.

TSL QUALIFYING FINAL

NORTH LAUNCESTON 2.4 5.6 9.7 13.10 (88) def CLARENCE 1.0 4.2 5.4 6.5 (41)

Goals

North Launceston - Bailey Mitchell 4, Jack Avent 2, Brad Cox-Goodyer 2, Will Manshenden, Jack Aherne, Harvey Griffiths, Beau Nash, Alex Lee

Clarence - Josh Green 3, James Glover 2, Bryce Alomes

Best

North Launceston - Jack Avent, Bradley Cox-Goodyer, Bailey Mitchell, Harry Bayles, Alex Lee, Harvey Griffiths

Clarence - Max Geappen, Tom Cleary, James Bealey, Liam Howard, Jack Dolliver, Daniel Cooney

Next week - Preliminary final: Lauderdale v Clarence

North Launceston to host grand final at UTAS Stadium Saturday, September 21