Tasmanian Club Rugby

[G&GR News Bot]

Bulls bruising cruise to second
Devonport Bulls stole revenge and second place on the Tasmanian Rugby ladder with a 32-16 win over Hobart Lions at Don Recreation Ground on Saturday. The victors finished strongly after holding a 17-6 half-time lead, but were made to work for their standing in a match where big hits in defence and a keen contest at the breakdown meant plenty of turnovers and counter attack from both sides. The advent of 29 penalties, mainly for offences on the ground at the breakdown, also resulted in the contest featuring very little structured phase play.
Devonport built pressure through back-rowers Johan Joubert and Mark Meo, scrum- and fly-half Ryan Brown and fullback Connor Mack, who varied the tempo and point of attack against a stern Hobart defence, particularly from Dave Craig and Derek Clack, scoring two superb tries in the first half. Hobart then showed the advantage of a solid scrum, good counter attack from Wilhelm Koch and Todd Grant and dominant lineout to post a converted try and two penalties to close to 20-16 before the Bulls finished with two late tries.
As an indicator of late season prospects, the match showed both teams to be enterprising, with Hobart hampered in attack through lack of specialist outside backs, and Devonport less dominant at the ruck through when denied inside channel space in attack. Despite this restriction they found the try-line and hold the current advantage.
A closer contest ensued at Rugby Park, with Harlequins stressing the Burnie Emus defence in the first half to run out close 28-25 winners, both teams securing 4-try bonus points in an open contest. Burnie were unlucky to lose goal-kicker Rhys Weber to a shoulder injury which may have cost them points, but also forced positional changes. Emus flyhalf Laurie Apiata and utility Dayne Apiti had strong games. For the winners Jamon Starcovic, Sunia Ma’afu and Fale Atileo were impressive in a backline that ran unchecked from set plays when it counted.
Launceston Bees and University engaged in a tight and at times dour struggle for forward supremacy at Royal Park, with Launceston emerging 5-0 winners. Uni could reflect on lots of hit-ups and an impressive scrum, but could not find a way to the line. Best for Launceston were forwards Harry Johnson and Jock Hamilton and centre Nate Wills, with University once again getting good value from backs Rob Darcy and Nick Schmidt and lock Luke Topfer.
Undefeated leaders Taroona Penguins outgunned and outnumbered Eastern Suburbs 83-0 at North Warrane, leading 52-0 at half-time. Taroona were satisfied with their structure in the first half and although this wavered a little before time the team could reflect on 5 tries from Rob Holmes and strong displays from halves Andrew Wicks and Christo Le Grange. Courageous performers for the Roosters were Jon Elliott, Opeti Tuiteatau and Jono McCarthy.
Round 13 results

Devonport 32 def Hobart Lions 16
Harlequins 28 def Burnie 25
Launceston 5 def University 0
Taroona 83 def Eastern Suburbs 0
AMC forfeit to Glenorchy
Round 14 – 21 July 2012

Club rugby will be taking a break this week for the Australian Services Rugby Union v Tasmanian Jack Jumpers game. If you are in Hobart get down to Rugby Park before 2pm to watch the game, Juniors start from 10.30am. Food, drinks and a good time on offer.
Ladder update

TeamPts
Taroona61
Devonport54
Hobart Lions51
Launceston40
Harlequins30
Burnie29
Glenorchy28
University28
Eastern Suburbs5
AMC2

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[Panda_TRUFC]

*Story credit Don Moor

BULLS AND LIONS SEEK WINS ON THE ROAD
Saturday’s resumption of Tasmanian Rugby fixtures pits Devonport Bulls against Taroona Blues at Rugby Park in a top of the table clash. The Bulls seek to avenge their loss to Taroona last encounter, and deny Hobart Lions’ chances of regaining second place.

The top two had healthy representation in last week’s Tasmanian squad. Post-match indications were that injury won’t have depleted the ranks. Devonport must close down the Blues’ outside backs by breaking even or better in set play possession as Taroona’s back row will be more difficult to subdue. Stand-in Blues scrum-half Andrew Wicks works effectively with his usual cohorts, James Wicks, Jay Armstrong and Rhys Watts to create momentum. James Holman will also provide Taroona ample lineout possession.

Devonport’s form looks best when they set repeat phases. Skipper Shaun Puke and his halves Ayden Whish-Wilson and Ryan Brown gain good ground through the inside channels but the Bulls set plays rarely threatened more than break-even last outing and will have been a point of focus. To stress the Blues the Bulls will need plenty of possession run with variety via the centres and wider, something no side has managed this year. A win could define their season, but a healthy physical tussle will build their capacity for the next meeting.

At University the home side will be desperate to prove to Burnie Emus that the crushing defeat they suffered in Burnie was an aberration. The expected return of some Uni players may bolster their chances, as Burnie will be light on the bench, but the Emus will be brutally direct in midfield.

The Emus will struggle to cover the loss of Rhys Weber, not the least for his goal-kicking, but may return the powerful Dayne Apiti to their inside backs. The Red Men need tight-five performers like Isaac Anderson, Brady Gower and Brad Doran pressuring to deny the Emus.

Glenorchy Stags host fifth-placed Harlequins who are applying consistency on a broader attacking front to put their dangerous runners through wider channels. Whilst prone to relaxing after a good start, Harlequins can pressure the Stags defence if they launch Jamon Starcovic. Sidney Fielea and Sunia Ma’afu from close quarters. Mobile Josh Dorahy keeps Glenorchy in the contest, but the Stags may struggle in the backs.

Eastern Suburbs Roosters will attempt a season double over AMC Vikings at North Warrane. 18 year old fly-half Jake Hyland returns after representative duties at age and open level and will provide Easts with vital attacking energy. AMC are fresh from forfeits through vacation and potentially fresh enough to test the locals.

Launceston Bees, clinging to fourth place, face visiting Hobart Lions who need a win but have to provide more than an average squad on the road and look unlikely to field flanker Dave Craig. The Bees may get key attacker Jake Shayer back for this match but have lost consistent Steve Wise-Wilson from their backs.

Saturday 2.30 pm
Taroona v Devonport – Rugby Park
University v Burnie – University
Glenorchy v Harlequins – Eady Street
Eastern Suburbs v AMC Vikings – North Warrane
Launceston v Hobart Lions – Royal Park

 

[PatGarnham]

Latest update of Tassie Rugby - http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/review-tassie-rugby-round-14/

 

[G&GR News Bot]

RUGGED BULLS INTERCEPT PENGUINS RUN
Devonport Bulls showed the capacity to win big matches in Hobart with a resurgent and gallant 22-21 defeat of Taroona Penguins in a fascinating contest at Rugby Park on Saturday. An intercept 85 metre try to Bulls’ left wing Alex Reimer, converted from wide out by Connor Mack five minutes from time lowered the Penguins’ colours for the first time in 2012
Taroona conducted business as usual from the kick-off, leading 18-0 courtesy of tries to Charlie and Rob Holmes and some poor Bulls discipline, leading to two successful penalties. Devonport then dominated territory and break-down possession to confine the Penguins to their own defensive zone, resulting in a penalty and charging try to Roger Compaign to trail 18-8 at half-time, despite courageous defence from Penguins Mikey Whyte and brothers Dave and Jeremy Climie.
With the game in the balance both sides launched promising counter attack from frequent turnovers, but leaking of penalties close to their line cost the Blues a yellow card and the Bulls reduced the margin to 21-15 via Mark Meo during further raids. In an attempt to seal the match Taroona kicked deep but the Bulls cover allowed Reimer his successful gamble.
‘Devonport used their resources well and at 18-0 down they had the will to challenge’, said Penguins coach David Whyte. Derik Joubert said that the Bulls wanted to show they could win in Hobart, rating Johann Joubert, Matthew Young and Ayden Whish-Wilson as their best.
Harlequins continued their recent form, beating Glenorchy Stags 44-26 at Eady Street, with double try-scoring efforts from Sunia Ma’afu and Don Leota amongst two blitzes by Quins who led 15-12 at the break and were best served by Jamon Starcovic, Sid Fielea and Chris Lobley. For Glenorchy Doug Smith, with two tries, Chase Scott and Josh Dorahy performed well.
Burnie Emus overcame losing Sunia Radravu to an early red card, prevailing 19-17 at University. Emus Brett Bentley, Dayne Apiti and Laurie Apiata were dominant as the Emus varied the play, whilst Duncan Watson and Michael Kadjiolka typified a determined performance from the Red Men.
Eastern Suburbs Roosters won again over AMC Vikings, their backs scoring a late try to win 22-19 at Warrane with Jake Hyland, Mark Whitfield and Jon Elliott constantly involved. Amongst AMCs best were Hugh Kanaley, Dave Evans and Callum Bird – the Vikings threatening their first scalp with three tries.
Hobart Lions conceded two late tries to home side Launceston Bees to escape 15-12 at Royal Park, despite leading throughout. Both camps agreed the margin flattered Launceston, who failed to capitalise on the elements in the first half. Hobart overcame injuries with Jon Cook, Dave Craig and Tristan Lawrence showing great commitment. The Bees best were Colin Montgomery, Glen Morgan and Jake Shayer, who overcame a shaky start to spark the revival.

Results

Devonport 22 def Taroona 21
Harlequins 44 def Glenorchy 26
Burnie 19 def University 17
Eastern Suburbs 22 def AMC Vikings 19
Hobart Lions 15 def Launceston 12

Ladder update

Taroona 62
Devonport 58
Hobart Lions 55
Launceston 41
Harlequins 36
Burnie 33
University 29
Glenorchy 28
Eastern Suburbs 9
AMC Vikings 3

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[en_force_er]

Jeez, looking at those results it looks like a very competitive comp. Wish you could say the same for the Vic one.

 

[G&GR News Bot]

QUINS CLOSE ON FOURTH Resurgent Harlequins defeated University 53-10 at Rugby Park on Saturday to close to within a point of fourth spot in the Tasmanian Rugby competition. Quins converted a 15-0 lead at the break into a procession after weathering a two-try comeback by the Red Men in the second half, combining mauling and

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[G&GR News Bot]

PENGUINS CLAWED BY PERSISTENT LIONS Hobart Lions reminded Tasmanian Rugby followers they are not making up the numbers by defeating Taroona Penguins 27-24 at Rugby Park on Saturday. Despite withstanding an exciting second-half fight-back from the Penguins, the Lions held the tactical supremacy throughout an absorbing contest. Hobart led 24-0 at half-time through three tries

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[G&GR News Bot]

LIONS KICK TO RECOVERY OVER QUINS Hobart Lions recovered from a 17-3 half-time deficit to edge Harlequins 18-17 at Rugby Park on Saturday, the result provoking anxiety amongst the Quins camp at the effect on their finals chances. Harlequins had no concerns after two fine tries to centre Sid Fielea and another to Number 8

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[G&GR News Bot]

TRIUMPHANT TAROONA DENY QUINS PREMIERSHIP The Taroona Penguins have claimed the 2012 Tasmanian Rugby Union premiership beating the Hobart Harlequins 18-17 in a close encounter at Rugby Park in Hobart on Saturday. Strong winds created challenging conditions but discipline was the greatest challenge of the day. Referee Grant Rogers started the day by speaking to

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[Panda_TRUFC]

I did say get on the Penguins for the flag did I not?

 

[Panda_TRUFC]

Hey folks, well it's another year and rugby season is not that far away now. The penguins have now resumed training if there is anyone in the Hobart area that is interested end in playing rugby in any grade from under 14's through to first grade please send me an email and I can point you in the right direction. Justinblack@internode.on.net or join our Facebook group just search for "Taroona Rugby Club"

Hope to here from you soon.
Panda

 

[Crashy]

Did TAS club rugby benefit financially from the melbourne vs Tahs trial game held in Jan?

 

[Panda_TRUFC]

Opening round of club rugby in Tasmania this weekend come out for a look and support local club rugby in Tas. Oh yeah and get on the penguins on the quest for back to back glory in 2013!

20-Apr-13
2.30pm
Harlequins v Hobart Lions RP2 2.30 pm
Eastern Suburbs v Launceston NW 2.30 pm
University v Devonport Uni 2.30 pm
Taroona v Glenorchy RP1 2.30 pm
Burnie v AMC Vikings Bur

 

[Gary Carbines]

Hi I'm based in Devonport, so go the Bulls!

Yesterday 20 April Tasmania Statewide comp. began. I only have a draft draw. Tassie Union web site is not being updated. Results not yet known
Harlequins v Hobart Lions in Hobart
Eastern Suburbs v Launceston in Hobart
University v Devonport in Hobart
Taroona v Glenorchy in Hobart
Burnie v AMC Vikings

The rumour a month ago was that Burnie were unable to field a team this year
AMC Vikings is a new club as per 2012 formed from members of the Australian Maritime College based in Launceston. They drew some players previously from Launceston but most are based at the college and players come from across Australia and other parts of the world. Apparently this is one of the best known Maritime colleges in the world. Yes folks right her in Tassie