TSL: Goal blitz from debutant sparks Bombers in win over Glenorchy

An 18-year-old debutant starred in North Launceston’s win over a plucky Glenorchy, while Launceston Football Club pulled off one of its most famous victories by stunning Lauderdale on their turf. Read the latest from the TSL here.

North Launceston's Beau Nash looks to scoop up the ball. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

At half-time against a plucky Glenorchy, North Launceston was scouring the dressing sheds for a spark.

It came in the unlikely form of debutant Khalen Matthews after he booted five second half goals in the Bombers’ 16.14 (110) to 7.5 (47) win at UTAS Stadium on Saturday.

The Magpies trailed by just 15 points midway through the third quarter, and it was 18-year-old key forward Matthews who put his hand up to put them away.

He kicked four goals in the third quarter and another early in the last as the Bombers improved to 4-0 before a challenging fortnight against Clarence (home) and Kingborough (away)

The Magpies brought pressure and an organised defence in the first half, but the Bombers’ speed and class eventually told.

They won inside 50s 51-26 and marks inside 50 18-8 as the game opened up in the second half.

It sets up a big couple of weeks for Bombers (4-0), who host Clarence before a grand final rematch against Kingborough in Hobart.

“The first half I came out pretty nervous and was still trying to fly at the ball and do my thing, but it was a slow start,” Matthews said.

“After half time I settled in a bit more. I thought I’d come out and have a crack and everyone supported me.”

Matthews was one of three debutants, with Tyane Thomas and Lachie Shea also showing glimpses in their first games.

North Launceston midfielder Oscar Van Dam continued his superb start to the season, while Isaac Manson (three goals) was a standout in his 100th game for Glenorchy.

Bombers coach Adrian Smith said Matthews’ incredible third term was important to finally break the Magpies.

Matthews has a strong athletics background, and that was on full with how well he presented inside forward 50.

“We were talking about half time we lacked energy across the ground. We had a big week on the track and we were just looking for a spark,” Smith said.

“Khalen kicked five in probably a 25-minute purple patch. Athletically he’s gifted and covers the ground exceptionally well.

“He’s really raw when it comes to footy, but it shows with how he presents he’s a dangerous match up because he’s strong in the air and on the ground.

“He took his opportunity today and hopefully we can keep teaching him how to play at this level.”

Meanwhile Launceston secured one of the more famous victories in its history after stunning Lauderdale on their home turf 8.7 (55) to 6.16 (51).

The win against a premiership fancy capped an impressive bounce back from the previously winless Blues after they went goalless in a 162-point defeat to North Launceston in round one.

Without experienced players Dylan Riley and Jake Kilby, it was Rocky Barron and Ben Hyatt who booted three goals apiece to lead the Blues to the upset of the season so far.

A long-range running goal from skipper Brodie Palfreyman gave Launceston a ten-point buffer late, and they held on to break their duck after three straight defeats.

Lauderdale is now 1-3 to begin the season.

NORTH LAUNCESTON 2.2 4.5 11.7 16.14 (110) def GLENORCHY 2.1 2.3 6.3 7.5 (47)

Goals: North Launceston - Khalen Matthews 5, Jack Aherne 3, Harvey Griffiths 3, Declen Chugg 2, Blade Sulzberger, Oscar Van Dam, Brad Cox-Goodyer; Glenorchy - Isaac Manson 3, Jordan Hayden 2, Matthew Joseph, Brodie Rowbottom

Best: North Launceston - Oscar Van Dam, Harry Bayles, Jack Aherne, Khalen Matthews, Fletcher Bennett, Beau Nash; Jordan Hayden, Adam Roberts, Matthew McInnes, Harrison Gunther, Jade Clark, Brodie Rowbottom

LAUNCESTON 2.5 5.5 6.6 8.7 (55) def LAUDERDALE 2.5 3.8 4.13 6.16 (52)

Goals: Launceston - Rocky Barron 3, Ben Hyatt 3, Brodie Palfreyman, Eoin Molloy; Lauderdale - Cambell Hooker 3, Fletcher Hooker, Tyler Martin, Thor Boscott

Best: Launceston - Isaac Hyatt, Josiah Burling, Brodie Palfreyman, Ben Hyatt, Rocky Barron, Seth Pfeiffer; Lauderdale - Haydn Smith, Phillip Bellchambers, Cambell Hooker, Nat Franklin, Alex Continenza, Jeremiah Perkins