The much anticipated clash lived up to expectations with a roller-coaster first half where both sides played the role of cat and mouse.

However, it is the Launceston women who  will progress to the conference preliminary final stage, winning 53-57 at Newtown’s Hobart Netball and Sports Centre.

Tornadoes coach Reece Potter said it was a disciplined team effort.

Overall, Launceston had 16 more free throw opportunities than Hobart, nine more rebounds, 10 more assists, 10 fewer fouls and 26 more points from the paint.

‘‘Defensively our discipline and intensity for the 40 minutes was really good –  we really stuck at it even though they made some runs at times,’’ Potter said.

‘‘You can tell that from the foul count (18-8)... we really built pressure, and eventually they cracked and we got a really great team win.’’

Launceston held a narrow two-point buffer over their intrastate rivals following the first stanza, before a Chargers fightback saw  them lead by five points part-way through the second quarter.

But it was the resilient visitors who  went into the main break with a strong eight-point advantage.

To half-time, Torns skipper Lauren Mansfield and Emilee Harmon had eight points apiece, while Klara Wischer (11 points) and Eliza Chilcott (8 points) were doing the damage on return.

Ruef was the standout performer with a half to go,  amassing seven points, nine rebounds and five assists.

From there on in the Tornadoes only got better, extending their lead at the third change and to ultimately claim victory.

‘‘Mikaela’s rebounding was unbelievable... (and) Emilee Harmon easily played her best game since she came back from injury,’’ Potter said.

‘‘I’m really proud of how our role players came in and filled their role.’’

For Launceston, Ruef finished with 11 points, 22 rebounds – 12 more than any other on court – and a game-high six assists.

Mansfield and Harmon netted 17 points each and Alex Wilson impressed with her 12 points, 8 rebounds and four assists.

For the Chargers, captain Chilcott led the main tables with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Wischer, Kathleen Scheer and Amy Kame provided solid contributions.

The Tornadoes will next week travel to play the loser of Saturday’s Kilsyth and Bendigo clash in Victoria, for a chance to play-off in the conference final in a fortnight’s time.