Smithton proved too strong for Launceston City in the opening GNL game in Launceston.
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City applied plenty of pressure to the Saints combo early with a corner conversion for Dominic Gill after the first quarter siren, handing the local side the lead.
Smithton slipped back into old habits but solid work from keeper Dylan Jago kept them in the hunt as they headed to the long break with just the single goal for the game.
The second half was a much faster and intense affair with Smithton applying fast breaks and quick-fire passes to outclass the home team, with Keegan Popowski adding two and Kade Woodrage a single field goal to give them a solid margin.
A corner conversion for Nathan Johns sealed the game, to give the Saints an unbeaten start to the year.
An influx of Hobart players gave City Marians the firepower to secure their first win for the year over the reigning premiers South Launceston.
A hat-trick for Shannon Weedon was not enough to hold out the Bloods’ loaded attack, with multiples for Vaughan Bowen, Rhys Burgess, and Adam Lamprey and singles for father and son Craig and Linden McCarthy.
Suns’ centre Kurt Budgeon tried every trick in the book and was unable to worry the scoreboard but posted a best on ground performance.
Launceston’s second game between Devonport and Queechy was a fast-paced affair with plenty of work for the defences as the ball swapped ends.
At half time the teams were locked at nil all.
Two minutes into the second half Evan Lawrence slotted the first for the home side with the Subbies’ Mick Williams levelling seven minutes later.
The pressure increased as teams struggled to stamp their authority when the umpires awarded a penalty stroke to Queechy, converted by Sam McCambridge, who added another three minutes later to seal the game.
West Devonport suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the South Burnie Hawks on home turf.
Six goals for the Hawks in the first half caused Dragons’ coach Fred Bessell to rethink the game plan to stop the onslaught.
The Dragons came out fighting in the second to keep the Hawks down to just four goals with Zac Wilson posting a consolation reply.
The Hawks’ Jordan Dart played with his usual consistency, impressing the umpires for a best on ground performance.
Results: South Burnie 10 def West Devonport 1; Queechy 3 def Devonport 1; Smithton 4 def Launceston City 1; City Marians 8 def South Launceston 3