Clarence to channel inner David in effort to bring down the State League’s Goliath

Clarence has pushed North Launceston in both encounters in 2020, but coach Jeromey Webberley is well aware it will take something special to cause the upset of the season in the semi

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CLARENCE coach Jeromey Webberley will take inspiration from a biblical story as he plots a path to dethrone the State League kings this weekend.

The Roos, who only avoided the wooden spoon last year by less than five per cent, have made a swift return to the finals stage in 2020.

But to keep their season alive they must do what only one team has done all year — way back in round two — and defeat North Launceston, who are charging towards a fourth consecutive premiership and sixth in seven seasons.

Round 10 TSL game between Clarence v North Launceston from Richmond Oval. Clarence's Brady Jones is tackled by North Launceston's Fletcher Bennett. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Webberley will take heart from the fact his young squad has twice pushed the Bomber powerhouse, but he still concedes all the stars will need to align to help secure what would be a famous boilover at UTAS Stadium tomorrow.

“You never say never, obviously we have our backs against the wall, they are clear favourites and we are massive underdogs,” Webberley said.

“It is a bit David and Goliath isn’t it? But again, it is a final and anything can happen.

“We think we have some tricks up our sleeve that may expose them so we go in confident but understand the job at hand.

“We haven’t beaten them, there has been one team that has beaten them this year … I give ourselves a chance, but everything has to go right for us this week.”

Round 10 TSL game between Clarence v North Launceston from Richmond Oval. North Launceston's Fletcher Bennett. Picture: Zak Simmonds

With few chinks in the armour across the ground, the Bombers have proven to be a difficult beast to conquer, especially on the big stage.

Since the start of its dominant period in 2014 North has won 14 of its 16 finals matches, leaving Webberley aware his side simply can’t get blown off the park early.

“They have strengths everywhere. We have some plans for how we can close guys down but they are going to test every part of our game this week.

“We just have to make sure we deliver four quarters of effort and give ourselves an opportunity.

“We have to apply enough pressure to make them a little bit nervous and a little bit twitchy.

Clarence playing coach Jeromey Webberley. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“If we can get some scoreboard pressure on early in a final or at least stay close for long periods of time, it is pressure.

“It’s a cut throat final and anything can happen.”

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