Premiership credentials of Roos, Tigers to get serious examination against northern TSL juggernauts
The balance of power in the TSL has been entrenched in the north for several seasons — Clarence and Tigers get their chance to challenge this weekend
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THE perceived gulf between the two northern TSL clubs and the south’s best will get a full examination this weekend as Clarence and the Tigers strive to tilt the balance of power.
The Roos (second) host high flying, unbeaten Launceston while Tigers (third) travel to UTAS Stadium to meet North Launceston, who sit four points behind.
Reigning premiers Launceston have blown away Glenorchy and North Hobart in the past fortnight, while the northern Bombers torched Lauderdale two weeks ago by 94 points on the road.
In last year’s condensed COVID-19 season the two Launceston juggernauts combined for a 23-5 win-loss record — compared to 22-40 for the five southern clubs — leaving their opposing coaches this weekend well aware on the importance of the round six showdowns.
“It would be nice for someone to get a little bit close, I think teams have challenged them for periods of time but just for the whole four quarters haven’t been able to stick with them,” Roos coach Jeromey Webberley said of the assignment against the Blues.
“I think it would be good for the comp if we one, got close or two, were able to roll them.
“Also the Tigers go to North Launceston this week and if they can hopefully put in a really strong performance as well and potentially get a win, it would be really exciting for the competition, no doubt.”
Clarence toppled North Launceston in round three on the back of a breathtaking third quarter, but bringing down the new competition powerhouse will require a complete 120 minute effort.
“We are not going to get away with playing two and a half quarters or having a period of 10 or 15 minutes where they dominate.
“They just hit the scoreboard so well.”
The stakes are just as high for the Tigers, who have often left the north of the state with their tails between their legs.
In their five 2021 matches Trent Baumeler’s troops have taken care of the bottom three outfits, but have failed the litmus test against higher quality opposition.
“It is a great challenge for Clarence but also for us as well, traditionally we haven’t played very well in the north, we have had some OK performances at UTAS but Windsor Park has been a bit of a graveyard for us,” Baumeler said.
“If that’s our opportunity, us and Clarence this week, to have a couple of strong performances against the two northern teams, I think it is great for the competition, and hopefully it gives everyone confidence when they go up against them.”
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