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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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