The Blues were held to just two goals in a foggy first term at Windsor Park but broke away from thereon in, gathering vital percentage with a 10-goal to one second half. 

Coach Sam Lonergan was pleased his side was able to bring the same effort it brought to last week’s one-point loss to reigning premier North Launceston.

“I think from third to fifth position is going to be extremely tight, so the opportunity for a double chance or something like that is still on the cards I reckon,” Lonergan said.

“The percentage today is a fantastic result to keep ticking those boxes and giving ourselves the best opportunity at the back end of the year.”

Rulla Kelly-Mansell was Launceston’s best, gathering 11 first-term touches sweeping up across half-back as North Hobart played two behind the ball.

The forward-turned defender went on to gather 35 possessions and found a way to get forward in the second term and register his name as one of 10 Blues goalkickers.

Chayce Jones and Brodie Palfreyman were both influential through the middle of the ground, while Dylan Riley (three goals) proved a worthy foil for ex-Devonport teammate Mitch Thorp. 

“I thought today our midfield group was exceptional and they certainly won the clearances convincingly,” Lonergan said.

“I was really pleased with Chayce Jones, he finished with 11 tackles for the game, and I thought Jamieson House had a really good game.

“His ability to read the game and know when the pattern of play was to go or when to hold it up ... when he goes he goes with a real attitude of going direct to goal and generally uses the ball really well.”

Thomas Reeves was the pick of the bunch for North Hobart, who were reduced to two on the bench in the third term when Bradley Young and Mitchell O’Neill were involved in an accidental head clash.