Suffering an inexplicable second-quarter fadeout, Launceston has surrendered outright top spot for the first time this year in the women’s inaugural state competition.
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Blues coach Alex Gibbins said the 5.7 (39) to 4.5 (29) loss to Clarence was an opportunity his side let slip.
“We felt this would have a feel of a final and the girls certainly came out in the first quarter with that attitude. But in the second quarter, we let them get away,” he said.
Launceston took a two goal-to-one advantage into the first break, but were held goalless in the next two quarters while conceding three in the second term alone.
“They just lifted the tempo and we just couldn’t go with them for that quarter. We won the second half, which was really good and came home strong in the last quarter, but really couldn’t bridge the gap,” Gibbins said.
“It was just a really disappointing second quarter and you’ve’ve got to play four quarters.”
Launceston has dropped to third spot heading into next round’s club bye.
Clarence also took out the first encounter by 10 points to inflict the Blues only two losses of the TSLW campaign.
“There is not much between the top three sides. On any given day, whoever plays their best on the day is probably going to win,” he said.