North Launceston back in familiar territory on top of TSL ladder after exacting revenge on cross town rivals

Launceston’s joy at ending a seven year hoodoo against North Launceston earlier in the season was short lived, with the Bombers turning the tables in their mid-week clash.

Launceston's Tim Auckland and North Launceston's Bart McCulloch contest the ruck under lights at University of Tasmania Stadium. Pic Andrew Woodgate.

• Blues coach set to return for midweek TSL showdown
• North Launceston returns to winners list

NORTH Launceston has reclaimed its throne atop the TSL ladder after exacting revenge on cross town rivals Launceston for its only loss of the 2020 season.

The Bombers juggernaut is warming up in an ominous sign for the rest of the competition, recording an 8.4 (52) to 5.4 (34) victory at UTAS Stadium despite coming off a four-day break.

In round two the Blues ended a seven year, 18-game losing streak to North but order was restored in the first midweek clash of the year as the three time reigning premier flexed its muscles to jump to the top of the table.

The teams traded four goals in the opening five minutes of an entertaining first quarter, with the visitors keeping pace with the Bombers from limited forays forward.

League star Jobi Harper, who was again his side’s best player with another midfield masterclass, needed just 15 seconds to kick the first goal of the second term to put the Blues back in front, but it was their last major until late in the match as the hosts clamped down.

Jobi Harper was again Launceston’s best player in the loss to North Launceston. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Playing coach Taylor Whitford regained the lead for the Bombers when he won a holding the ball free at the nine minute mark of the second stanza, before a crucial moment came 10 minutes later with a solitary point separating the sides.

The Blues surged forward but a spot up kick to a leading Jay Blackberry went over the forward’s head, with Jackson Callow, who impressed in a change of role at centre half back, launching a rebound which resulted in a goal at the opposite end to Tom Bennett.

Jakob Laskey then delivered a dagger right on the half time siren when he converted a set shot from a strong contested mark.

After a 16 minute arm wrestle in the third quarter Tom Donnelly found himself all alone in the goalsquare to extend the advantage to 20 points and when Brad Cox-Goodyer bent a banana through on the run from 15 metres it gave North enough breathing space.

Despite the Bombers running out of legs on the short turnaround they held on to take a major step towards a fourth consecutive flag.

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