There’s not much between Launceston and North Launceston, says southern TSL coach

If you have wondered which TSL team is better - Launceston or North Launceston - wonder no more because Lauderdale’s coach has the answer. LATEST >>

• It seemed like mission impossible but Lindisfarne held on to beat the SFL’s reigning premier
• North Launceston too strong for Lauderdale in sodden TSL contest

IF you have wondered which TSL team is better - Launceston or North Launceston - wonder no more because Daniel Willing has the answer.

The Lauderdale coach says Launceston is the State League’s best side, even though North Launceston is close behind, as his southern Bombers prepare to meet the Demons at North Hobart Oval on Saturday.

Lauderdale lost to North Launceston by 93 points in round four and again by 35 in a rain-soaked shocker at Lauderdale last Saturday.

Football. TSL. Joshua Williams Lauderdale. Lauderdale V North Launceston. Picture Nikki Davis-Jones

Lauderdale went down to Launceston by 48 points in round seven, a match that left an indelible mark on the Bombers.

“Launceston is the best team we’ve played,” Willing said.

“North Launceston’s first quarter was probably the best quarter of football we’ve played against.

“But Launceston’s ability to stick to their game plan for four quarters solid _ I’m talking from the first bounce to the final siren _ and their ability to run on top of the ground and follow plans is ridiculously-good.

Lauderdale coach Daniel Willing. Picture: Zak Simmonds.

“In terms of talent, North Launceston are as good as any side in the competition.

“They have still got that top-end talent but they’ve also got a lot of young talent coming through from what has been a strong program for a number of years.

“North Launceston is clearly as good as anyone talent-wise but the way Launceston sets up, that’s the best we’ve seen.”

Clarence is top of Willing’s list among southern clubs.

“They are extremely good as well,” he said.

“I wouldn’t under-estimate Clarence. I know they got beaten pretty easily by North Launceston but I think they are better than that.”

Lauderdale and North Hobart are second-last and bottom of the ladder respectively, making their round 12 clash critical in the race for the wooden spoon.

Clarence takes on the Tigers at the Twin Ovals and Glenorchy faces Launceston at KGV.

North Launceston too strong for Lauderdale in sodden TSL contest

IT was weather for ducks at Lauderdale Oval with a ball as slippery as soap, and that makes North Launceston’s 35-point win over the home team one to savor — even the coach was impressed.

“They were phenomenal,” said Bombers boss Brad Cox-Goodyer.

North Launceston stayed on track as a TSL premiership contender with the 10.10 (70) to 5.5 (35) win over Lauderdale and the constant rain and heavy deck brought out their best.

Apart from the second quarter when the southern Bombers took them to school, the Northern Bombers were brutal at the contest and found ways to score and keep their opponent scoreless.

They shot out to a 35-0 lead at quarter-time, which Cox-Goodyer, who kicked two goals despite nursing a hamstring strain, said was his side’s best first quarter of the year.

Lauderdale turned the tables in the second team, opening with two goals in two minutes to wet weather beast Phil Bellchambers.

Two more cut the deficit to nine points until Jay Foon spoiled the party with a goal for North Launceston deep in time-on.

TSL North Launceston player/coach Bradley Cox-Goodyer addresses his players at three quarter time. Picture: Zak Simmonds

After that, Lauderdale scored only one more goal.

“For us to get the result down here on such a tough day with the side we had was very pleasing,” Cox-Goodyer said.

“We had 12 guys who have played less than 10 senior games in our side and I don’t think many people would understand that.

“For us to continually bring new guys in, and for them to compete at this level, it is fantastic to see.”

North Launceston goes into the bye with such confidence Cox-Goodyer gave them a week off.

“I don’t want them to even think about football _ I want them to go and do something else,” he said.

When they come back, so do experienced warriors Mark Walsh, Ben Simpson, Alex Lee and Fletcher Bennett.

Second on the ladder to reigning premier Launceston, Cox-Goodyer said his team was ahead of schedule.

“We’re in front of where I anticipated we’d be,” he said.

“With the list turn-over we’ve had and not bringing any senior guys in, it’s a credit to the guys for buying in and doing what we ask of them.

“A lot of people think we’ve got all our senior players and we’ve played in all these grand finals.

“But the reality is we are an extremely young side so to be sitting where we are is fantastic.”