By: JAMES BRESNEHAN
Launceston controlled the majority of the game, but when Glenorchy skipper Shane Piuselli cut loose in the final term there was a major shift in momentum.
The Pies drilled four consecutive goals and reduced the margin to nine points and looked capable of stealing the win.
However, a sickening collision between Launceston teammates Brian Finch and debutant Ty Rundle changed the course of the game.
The seven-minute stoppage, while Rundle was carried off by two trainers and Finch was stretchered to an ambulance by six trainers, snuffed out Glenorchy's momentum.
The face-first clash left Rundle heavily concussed and Finch unconscious.
When the game resumed, Launceston kicked three of the last four goals to claim a comfortable win.
``That was a finals standard game in SFL and NTFL last year, so it augurs well for the competition,'' said Launceston coach Adam Sanders.
``There was a reasonable crowd here today and if you put that product on each week I think people will come and watch it.''
Glenorchy coach Ben Reid said his team had a bad day at the office.
``But we make no excuses, Launceston played a good brand of footy and they are going to be a more than competitive side in the statewide competition,'' Reid said.
Launceston spearhead Adam Derbyshire, a century goalkicker last season, was held to three by Dan Muir, who did a super job in his first game at full-back.
Blues' speedsters Sonny Whiting and Finch were livewires at ground level inside the 50m arc, each kicking two goals.
Launceston gave loping Tim Bristow a licence to get dangerous through the centre corridor, and he did not disappoint.
The Blues' running game was driven by dashing half-back Sam O'Keefe, while super-fit Will Campbell had a TSL baptism of fire tagging Magpies' skipper Piuselli.
In a Chris Judd-like 10 minute burst in the final term, Piuselli inspired the Pies to within reach of victory, only to have it snuffed out by the long break for injury.
``If we stay in the black in terms of win-loss for the season I think we can make the finals and be a good chance,'' Sanders said.
The TSL continues today with Lauderdale playing South Launceston at Youngtown.
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However, a sickening collision between Launceston teammates Brian Finch and debutant Ty Rundle changed the course of the game.
The seven-minute stoppage, while Rundle was carried off by two trainers and Finch was stretchered to an ambulance by six trainers, snuffed out Glenorchy's momentum.
The face-first clash left Rundle heavily concussed and Finch unconscious.
When the game resumed, Launceston kicked three of the last four goals to claim a comfortable win.
``That was a finals standard game in SFL and NTFL last year, so it augurs well for the competition,'' said Launceston coach Adam Sanders.
``There was a reasonable crowd here today and if you put that product on each week I think people will come and watch it.''
Glenorchy coach Ben Reid said his team had a bad day at the office.
``But we make no excuses, Launceston played a good brand of footy and they are going to be a more than competitive side in the statewide competition,'' Reid said.
Launceston spearhead Adam Derbyshire, a century goalkicker last season, was held to three by Dan Muir, who did a super job in his first game at full-back.
Blues' speedsters Sonny Whiting and Finch were livewires at ground level inside the 50m arc, each kicking two goals.
Launceston gave loping Tim Bristow a licence to get dangerous through the centre corridor, and he did not disappoint.
The Blues' running game was driven by dashing half-back Sam O'Keefe, while super-fit Will Campbell had a TSL baptism of fire tagging Magpies' skipper Piuselli.
In a Chris Judd-like 10 minute burst in the final term, Piuselli inspired the Pies to within reach of victory, only to have it snuffed out by the long break for injury.
``If we stay in the black in terms of win-loss for the season I think we can make the finals and be a good chance,'' Sanders said.
The TSL continues today with Lauderdale playing South Launceston at Youngtown.
Last Modified on 17/04/2009 14:36