TASMANIA fell to an 87-point loss against Queensland on Sunday to end their under-18 division 2 national championships campaign without a victory.
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The Tassie Mariners started the game well to trial by eight points at quarter time, however, from there the hosts stamped their authority to win 18.10 (118) to 4.7 (31) at Metricon Stadium.
Tasmania only kicked two goals after the first 30 minutes to Queensland’s 14 majors.
The visitors were held goalless in the third stanza as Queensland proved too classy, finding time and space across the ground to give their forwards plenty of opportunities.
They finished the match with 17 more scoring shots to record their second win of the championships.
Tasmanian coach Adam Sanders was impressed with his side’s endeavour, but said they lacked polish with ball in hand.
“We fell down in the same areas again, our ability to execute skill and running capacity compared to the Northern states is not up to scratch,” he said.
“We missed some really gettable opportunities… in the first 10 minutes of the third quarter we missed four set shots for goal from 30 metres for just three points.
“It was better than last time but certainly not a result we are happy with.”
The Mariners’ goals came from Keegan Wylie, Connor Smith Zac Buechner and Hugh Dixon.
Highly fancied Queensland midfielder Brad Scheer and captain Jack Bowes controlled the corridor, while forward Connor Ballenden (five goals) performed strongly.
For Tasmania, Launceston’s Jake Hinds, Clarence’s Tyson Hanslow and Glenorchy’s William Atkin put in the hard yards.
North Launceston’s Tarryn Thomas, 16, was named the state’s most valuable player over its three matches.
“Tarryn certainly wasn’t a standout player by getting 20 possessions but he got better every week, played his role and listened and learned – it was a great effort,” Sanders said.
In their previous two matches, Tasmania lost to eventual division 2 winners NSW/ACT by 101-points and Northern Territory by 69-points.