A FIVE-GOAL haul from George Town forward Josh Knight was not enough to see his side past South Launceston at Blue Gum Park on Saturday.
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The Saints were scoreless at the first change as the Bulldogs built a 22-point lead before the hosts fought back in impressive fashion – kicking five majors to two in the second quarter to trail by just four points at the long break.
It was neck and neck in the third before South held on strongly to sneak past a George Town outfit boasting the servies of former Brisbane premiership player Ashley McGrath – winning 10.12 (72) to 9.3 (57).
Bulldogs coach Leigh Harding said his players were a little rusty but delivered when it mattered.
“We came out of the blocks early with 70 or 80 per cent of the game played in our forward half but George Town we unbelievable in the second and third, they had us under pressure and made the most of their opportunities,” he said.
“It was a game of two halves, we just happened to win the first and last quarter.”
Rory Mansell and Clinton Drake held up South’s defence, while Jordan Tepper, Will Campbell and Jade Child performed strongly through the middle.
Harding said South had 10 players that made their senior debut.
Saints coach Allan O’Sign said his team displayed great fight but that the opening 15 minutes “probably cost” them four points.
“We needed a better unit to play 120 minutes of footy not 100 minutes of footy,” O’Sign said.
“I’m really pleased with the boy’s ability to continue to work and not let the game blow out.
“We had our chances to win the game but some of our turnovers cost us and in the end I think our midfielders blew up.”
O’Sign said McGrath provided his young charges with experienced advice and leadership. Zac Cooke delivered good drive out of defence and Aaron Zanevra worked tirelessly for the Saints.