Rampage Roos bury Blues
September 5th 2010 07:35
Sourced: The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
By Brett Stubbs
IT seems not even rain for the biblical 40 days and 40 nights could stop Clarence's relentless march towards the TSL premiership.
In terrible conditions that left the usually pristine Bellerive Oval a muddy bog in patches, the Roos belted Launceston by 49 points.
Their second semi-final win of 11.16 (82) to 5.3 (33) booked a spot in the grand final.
Despite the heavy ground and slippery ball, Clarence played skilful dry-weather football.
The Roos tossed the ball around with precision and skill that made the Blues, the second-best team in the TSL, looking like lumbering hacks.
Given the conditions, the margin was the equivalent of a 100-point thrashing.
Such was the Roos' dominance that the Blues were held to one goal in the second quarter courtesy of a 50m penalty, and a single rushed behind in the third term.
Clarence coach Brett Geappen rated yesterday's performance as the best of the season and admitted that when playing at its optimum, his side could not be beaten.
"If we put four quarters together I think we are the best side that is not cocky, I just believe that," Geappen said.
"I think we have proved that this year. When we play like we did today, it was pretty convincing and they are the second-best team in the competition."
While big men were supposed to struggle in the wet, Matthew Drury and Brennan Savage were dominant across half-forward with their marking and work rate.
Josh Green demonstrated why he is considered a certainty to be drafted later this year with 29 touches on the wing, Cameron Thurley was like silk all day and veterans Ben Setchell and Matthew Geappen thrived in the conditions.
The Roos' defence was equally impressive.
Rohan Swan must be close to the most improved player in the competition and was virtually impenetrable across half-back.
Gregg Sharman obliterated Blues full-forward and Hudson medallist Brian Finch, keeping the TSL's leading goal-scorer scoreless.
It was the second time Clarence has convincingly defeated Launceston at Bellerive in the finals, and if the Blues are to make the grand final by beating Devonport next Friday night, they will go in psychologically scarred.
However, Blues coach Anthony Taylor tried to turn the heat back on the Roos.
"Clarence now has proved they are the best side now and there is a fair bit of pressure on them now," Taylor said.
"Everyone just expects them to win so whether it's us or Devonport, there is going to be a lot of pressure on them."
Again the Roos quelled the Blues playmakers in Scott Stephens and Sam O'Keefe, with both tagged out of the game by Clint Riley and Aaron French.
"That is an area Scotty and Sam have to get better at but they are quality players," Taylor said.
"It worked in Clarence's favour again today but it is not through a lack of hard work. They are working equally as hard, but they took our play-makers out."
The Roos spread the workload forward with eight goal scorers. Small forward Trent Standen was the main contributor with 3.4.
By Brett Stubbs
IT seems not even rain for the biblical 40 days and 40 nights could stop Clarence's relentless march towards the TSL premiership.
Clarence defender Clint Riley looks to handball despite being pressured by Launceston's Jesse Lonergan in yesterday's semi-final.
In terrible conditions that left the usually pristine Bellerive Oval a muddy bog in patches, the Roos belted Launceston by 49 points.
Their second semi-final win of 11.16 (82) to 5.3 (33) booked a spot in the grand final.
Despite the heavy ground and slippery ball, Clarence played skilful dry-weather football.
The Roos tossed the ball around with precision and skill that made the Blues, the second-best team in the TSL, looking like lumbering hacks.
Given the conditions, the margin was the equivalent of a 100-point thrashing.
Such was the Roos' dominance that the Blues were held to one goal in the second quarter courtesy of a 50m penalty, and a single rushed behind in the third term.
Clarence coach Brett Geappen rated yesterday's performance as the best of the season and admitted that when playing at its optimum, his side could not be beaten.
"If we put four quarters together I think we are the best side that is not cocky, I just believe that," Geappen said.
"I think we have proved that this year. When we play like we did today, it was pretty convincing and they are the second-best team in the competition."
While big men were supposed to struggle in the wet, Matthew Drury and Brennan Savage were dominant across half-forward with their marking and work rate.
Josh Green demonstrated why he is considered a certainty to be drafted later this year with 29 touches on the wing, Cameron Thurley was like silk all day and veterans Ben Setchell and Matthew Geappen thrived in the conditions.
The Roos' defence was equally impressive.
Rohan Swan must be close to the most improved player in the competition and was virtually impenetrable across half-back.
Gregg Sharman obliterated Blues full-forward and Hudson medallist Brian Finch, keeping the TSL's leading goal-scorer scoreless.
It was the second time Clarence has convincingly defeated Launceston at Bellerive in the finals, and if the Blues are to make the grand final by beating Devonport next Friday night, they will go in psychologically scarred.
However, Blues coach Anthony Taylor tried to turn the heat back on the Roos.
"Clarence now has proved they are the best side now and there is a fair bit of pressure on them now," Taylor said.
"Everyone just expects them to win so whether it's us or Devonport, there is going to be a lot of pressure on them."
Again the Roos quelled the Blues playmakers in Scott Stephens and Sam O'Keefe, with both tagged out of the game by Clint Riley and Aaron French.
"That is an area Scotty and Sam have to get better at but they are quality players," Taylor said.
"It worked in Clarence's favour again today but it is not through a lack of hard work. They are working equally as hard, but they took our play-makers out."
The Roos spread the workload forward with eight goal scorers. Small forward Trent Standen was the main contributor with 3.4.
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