Lauderdale undefeated in SFL Premier League after thrashing best of the rest Clarence in top-of-the-ladder showdown
‘It’s unheard of’ - Lauderdale coach Brent Dolliver stunned after his Bombers thrashed Clarence in top-of-the-ladder SFL Premier League blockbuster. What he said.
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Lauderdale’s march toward September is starting to look unstoppable after the beach boys carpet-bombed their nearest rival Clarence on their home deck in round six of the SFL Premier League on Saturday.
It’s early in the season but the Bombers are the undisputed premiership favourite, sitting undefeated on top of top of the ladder with more experienced players knocking on the door to get back into the side.
Lauderdale coach Brent Dolliver is super-proud of the buy-in from his players to take up a new game-plan and integrate seven new players into the line-up.
But don’t say the F-word to “Dolly” _ he says it’s not the time of year to start talking about the finals.
“It’s too early – we’re only one game into round two so everyone is going to get better and we are hoping that we can still get better as well,” Dolliver said.
“The first quarter today was a really good game of football.
“Clarence threw everything at us and they were very good.
“They’ve got some quality players.
“Their midfield group is elite and barring a couple of injuries to their side, we might not have gotten the result we got.”
Lauderdale fought hard for its 17-point win over Clarence at Lauderdale Oval in the opening round, and their return bout at Ninja Stadium proved more decisive.
“It’s about sticking to our structures and the boys learning it,” Dolliver said.
“We’ve had seven new players come into the side and we are starting to see the reward from playing together week in, week out.
“We’ve only had one change since round one, which is unheard of.”
Clarence’s bad day started when key forward and former AFL player Colin Garland left the game in the opening minutes clutching his hamstring.
Lauderdale went into the first break double Clarence’s score while the Roos fought back in an even second term.
The Bombers opened the flood gates after half-time with a powerful third term to lead by 50 points at the last change.
Clarence kicked two of the first three goals in a hotly-contested fourth quarter but Lauderdale regained its momentum to walk away with a decisive 56-point victory.
The Bombers owe much of their win to hard-working defender and former Roo James Bealey, who kept SFL star, and his former teammate, Josh Green, goalless.
Winger Rhys Sutton was at his workaholic best up and down the ground while Bomber talls Noah Holmes (3 goals), Sam Siggins (3 goals) and Jordan Lane (2 goals) kicked more than half of Lauderdale’s score.
At the Twin Ovals, North Hobart got its revenge against Kingborough.
The Demons followed their 43-point win over the Tigers in opening round with a brilliant seven-point win over the home side at the Twin Ovals.
Glenorchy claimed its second win and ensured Brighton stayed without one as the Pies took a 51-point victory at Pontville Oval.
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