PENGUINS PRESSURE QUESTIONS QUINS COMPOSURE
Taroona Penguins took their chances to out-manoeuvre Hobart Harlequins 25-17 at Rugby Park on Saturday and press a compelling claim for the minor premiership, the margin and manner of defeat reflecting the frustration of Quins in not being able to convert the pressure of the first hour over the last 20 minutes.
Concerns may accrue for Harlequins post-match through the red-carding of Fale Atileo and Sunia Ma’afu by referee Sean Kelly in the closing stages, as Quins tried to retrieve the lead and nullify a torrid penalty count.
Quins rode the slim advantage of a successful conversion as tries to Beau Scott and Paulo Pua cancelled a double to Taroona lock Chris Thomson before Taroona combined the fading breeze and quality set piece possession to resurrect phase play distribution and nullify Quins’ physicality. Telling minutes in the Quins red zone were rewarded with a try to James Holman, converted from the touchline by Christo Le Grange before the bonus point was sealed with another to Rob Holmes. Quins then endured their dismissals before Sid Fielea closed matters with a trademark 40 metre try.
Taroona coach David Whyte commended his side for riding the confrontation and building their reply through set piece strength. ‘This sets us well towards the minor premiership and the return clash in a fortnight’, he said, recognising the efforts of Rhys Watts, Mikie Whyte and Thomson. The Quins camp acknowledged the need to eliminate disciplinary issues and the difficulties in adapting to the loss at half-time of Amosa Tomoariki, as well as Dave Woulleman played in his place.
Eastern Suburbs Roosters confirmed their rise in ranking with an emphatic 45-5 dismantling of Devonport Bulls at Warrane. Concerted pressure in the closing stages brought a late try to the Bulls, whose backs couldn’t contain Easts, particularly Judd Sherratt and Jake Hyland, with forwards Ryan Brown and Brendan Elliott also effective. ‘We finally played to our potential and converted to a points-scoring mindset’, said Roosters coach Brett Bourke. Backs Chris Boag and Shaun Puke tried hard and the Bulls pack showed plenty of resilience.
Glenorchy were too strong for a disjointed University, posting 10 tries in winning 58-0 at Eady Street. Daniel Aualiitia, Sean Reardon and Doug Smith led the way for the Stags. Gareth Gerard, Duncan Watson and Luke Topfer tried hard for University.
Courageous and short-handed Burnie Emus, led by Brett Bentley, Michael Grace and Rhys Weber were overcome 43-17 by Hobart Lions. The Emus didn’t concede to the end, delayed by Weber’s departure to a serious ankle injury. Hobart answered the challenge, particularly Derik Clack, George Houston-Roberts and Jason Hall.
Launceston held out AMC Vikings three tries to two in winning 24-13 in a passionate derby at Royal Park, with Perry Chancellor, Glen Morgan and Peter Campbell to the fore.
Round 17 scores:
Taroona 25 def Harlequins 17
Eastern Suburbs 45 def Devonport 5
Glenorchy 58 def University 0
Hobart Lions 43 def Burnie 17
Launceston 24 def AMC Vikings 13
