QUINS WIN SEES TOP FOUR CEMENTED

Hobart Harlequins remain second in the Tasmanian Rugby premiership table, despite clocking off early in an inconsistent 38-10 win over AMC Vikings at Rugby Park on Saturday. Quins led 28-0 at half-time and only scored from 95 metres on full-time to level the second half scoring.

For Quins Paulo Pua scored three tries, but was shaded on the day by Pat Schramm and Matt Mitchell. Most scoring was from long range, with Quins coach Colin Fielea very happy with his side’s counter-attacking execution, but his squad struggled to pressure at the scrum and failed to capitalise on crushing runs from Don Leota.

‘We thought beforehand we’d learn some things about ourselves against a larger pack but took too long to get into the game’, said AMC’s Danny James. James Irwin scored a scrambling 50 metre try but was shaded by teammates Sunny Scott, Michael Johnson and James Hokin as the Vikings dominated territory but failed to convert pressure into points.

Taroona Penguins overcame visitors Launceston 28-5 despite an early Bees try and a coned inside defence isolating Taroona’s edge and inside runners. Partly by design, this issue was primarily due to injuries forcing the Bees to use front-rowers as flankers.

Penguins flanker Jay Armstrong scored three close-range tries as Taroona settled, generating more options after the break. ‘It was good to get a win and get back on track,’ said Taroona coach David Whyte, nominating Armstrong, Rhys Watts and Mikie Whyte as stand-outs. ‘They’re good, but our early try helped to provide a test’, was Bees coach Ray Burgess’ response, pleased with upsetting Taroona’s game plan.

Hobart Lions crashed University’s 80th anniversary, winning 34-19 in a spirited forward display, young No 8 Ikwhan Sallih earning the points via spirited hit-ups and telling defence, supported by Mark Playle, Ned Schesne and Jon Cook. For the Red Men Brady Gower, Chris Hildrew and Jack Beattie tried to overcome the disruption of injuries but their pack was well eclipsed by the Lions who built from an indifferent start to dominate possession.

At Warrane Eastern Suburbs Roosters took the honours, winning 45-9 over Burnie Emus with Marc Whitfield continuing good form for the Roosters and Jake Hyland scoring three tries to highlight their best team display this season. For the Emus forwards Dayne Apiti, Michael Grace and Travis Hill tried hard but their inexperienced back three were isolated by the home side.

Devonport Bulls retained the competition lead defeating Glenorchy Stags 38-5 with a stuttering display in Devonport. The Stags were reduced to 14 mean early following injury to Wally Dare but Brett Stevenson, Jamie Howard and Sean McCann epitomised the spirit of their pick and drive game. Shaun Puke, Mark Meo, Ali Nesham and Luke Johnson headlined the Bulls performance, with coach Derik Joubert decrying his team failure to kick to space behind Glenorchy’s backline.

Scores round 5:

Harlequins 38 def AMC Vikings 10
Taroona 28 def Launceston 5
Hobart Lions 34 def University 19
Eastern Suburbs 45 def Burnie 9
Devonport 38 def Glenorchy 5

Ladder after round 5: