Round One To Taroona

Taroona Blues took the honours 17-14 against Glenorchy in the last round of Tasmanian Rugby at Rugby Park on Saturday, but will re-contest issues with the Stags in next week’s minor semi-final.
 
The win reinforced Taroona’s claims to having sufficient strength up front to contest with the best in wet conditions.  Whilst not always dominant, the Blues forwards scrambled and defended the edge of breakdowns to increase the risk for the Stags in sending the ball wide.  Glenorchy’s pack had their moments but could not get them back into the lead late in the match after they had established a 14-7 half-time lead.
 
Best for the victors were Pat Schramm, until injured, Christo Le Grange, who kicked a magnificent conversion from the sideline to level the scores after the interval and Nick Elliott, who chose the correct support to involve under pressure.  The Stags lost their playmaker, Dan Aualiitia and some structure but Wally Dare and Chris Harwood never failed to take them forward.
 
In contrast the second match at Rugby Park provided some expansive play, with Harlequins and Hobart Lions drawing 27-all.  Quins jumped to an early 15-0 lead but allowed Hobart to match their free-running style and cross the line for four tries and a 27-20 lead.  Harlequins were not to be denied and scored out wide and levelled with a difficult conversion by Dave Russell.  Despite generous stoppage time the sides could not be separated.  Sunia Ma’afu was at his irrepressible best for Quins, but capitalised on some good work in close by Winston Pene and Mike Dodd.  Derek Clack, Lincoln Bowman and James Cazaly tried all day for the Lions.
 
University failed to extend hospitality during their 20-12 win over Devonport Bulls in slushy conditions at home, showing their recently honed defensive determination to deny the Bulls edge-runners with solid tackling throughout.  Brad Doran put in plenty of big hits, with fellow lock Brady Gower also dogged in denying his former club-mates territory.  Replacement prop Alex Cronin also frustrated the Bulls momentum assisting to secure valuable tight head strikes.
 
Devonport conceded University played the conditions much better but skipper Shaun Puke, Elmar van Breda and Marika Meo never gave up.
 
Easier conditions prevailed in Launceston where the minor premiers Launceston were unextended in winning 123-0 over Eastern Suburbs.  Launceston fullback Jake Shayer scored at least 50 points with four tries and 15 conversions.  Flanker Johannes Loubser and flyhalf Angus Cosgrove were also prominent as the home side sealed a season to forget for the long-suffering Roosters.
 
Scores: Taroona 17 def Glenorchy 14; Harlequins 27 drew with Hobart Lions 27; University 20 def Devonport 12; Launceston 123 def Eastern Suburbs 0