RUNNING BULLS SHOVE PENGUINS TO THIRD

Devonport Bulls took the Tasmanian Rugby competition lead winning 36-26 over Taroona Penguins in an intense but attractive performance at Devonport on Saturday.

The loss reduced Taroona to third place but Taroona coach David Whyte was philosophical about the result, particularly as his less experienced side scored two tries in the last 7 minutes. ‘We didn’t travel as well as we might have and didn’t play to the game plan in the first half’, said Whyte. Bulls’ mentor Derik Joubert was happy with his team’s defensive organisation and acknowledged good movement of the ball by both teams.

Powerhouse centre Mark Meo, halfback and skipper Shaun Puke and lock Tim Johnson showed the way for the Bulls. Christo Le Grange, Nathan De Hoog and Sam Lowe stood out for Taroona, whose younger players will improve with the experience.

Harlequins remain the only undefeated team following an inconsistent 48-24 win over luckless Glenorchy Stags at Rugby Park. Glenorchy lost 5 of their best performers within the first 20 minutes and scrambled thereafter. Josh Dorahy and Chase Scott never stopped trying for the Stags who were guilty of moving the ball wide without forward dominance.

Harlequins coach Colin Fielea was disappointed with a scrum which conceded two tight heads and poor handling that left several tries begging, conceding a poor preparation had thwarted progress towards longer term consistency. Quins flanker Pat Schramm ran explosively throughout and Paulo Pua and Dave Woulleman found space wide of a compressed Stags’ defensive line.

AMC Vikings continued occupation of fourth place, outlasting Eastern Suburbs 14-12 at Royal Park after the Roosters led at half-time and lost out to a late try from a driving maul. Tom Scarfe, Tim McDonald and Andrew Johnson typified a strong forward effort from the Vikings. Easts pointed to the quarter either side of half-time as the turning period. ‘They adjusted their plans at half-time, mirroring our style and we didn’t adapt to the change of pattern’, said Roosters coach Brett Bourke. Robbie Casboult and Jonathan McCarthy highlighted the Easts’ team effort.

Launceston Bees beat Hobart Lions 24-3 with Hobart squandering chances to bridge the gap, particularly with Launceston reduced to 13 men by cards. Perry Chancellor, Harley Lyons and Glen Morgan continued their good form for Launceston. Ikwhan Sallih, Ned Schesne and Aleem Khalfan kept Hobart competitive.

University easily accounted for Burnie Emus 66-19 at Burnie, with backs Mike Kadjiolka, Rob Darcy and Saul Lopa beneficiaries of a wholehearted performance by the Red pack. ‘It was a massive forward effort and we stuck to the game plan’, said Uni coach Niel van der Linde, noting his side had only erred in conceding a few silly penalties. Emus Dean Apiti and Brett Bentley tried hard to stem the tide.

Scores round 4:

Devonport 36 def Taroona 26
Harlequins 48 def Glenorchy 24
AMC Vikings 14 def Eastern Suburbs 12
Launceston 24 def Hobart Lions 3
University 66 def Burnie 19

Ladder  after round 4:

Devonport 16
Harlequins 16
Taroona 15
AMC Vikings 14
University 13
Launceston 10
Glenorchy 7
Eastern Suburbs 6
Burnie 5
Hobart Lions 4