BRIDGENORTH opened their account with a blistering 36-point win in a high scoring encounter against reigning premiers, South Launceston.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Parrots dominated play in the opening quarter but failed to make an impact on the scoreboard with South leading by three points at quarter time.
As South started the second quarter dangerously, Bridgenorth pulled back, kicking six unanswered goals to be 27 point leaders.
A high-scoring third quarter followed with 13 goals scored, including three from returning Parrot Rohan Sergeant blew the margin out to 47 points in favour of the home town side.
Four unanswered South Launceston goals put a scare on Bridgenorth's maiden victory for 2019 but East Devonport recruit Nick Milbourne scored his fifth for the day from the goal-square and put the nail in the coffin as the Parrots won 20.15 (135) to 15.9 (99).
Bridgenorth's forward line of Milbourne, Sergeant (four goals), Jack McCulloch, Jake Nunn and Jacob Gilpin (two goals each) all presented well and consistently out-muscled the South defenders off the back of quality entries from the likes of Casey Walker-Russell and Matthew Zanetto.
Jade Child and Jak Hadley both kicked three for the Bulldogs, anchoring the side's performance throughout the day with Todd Munro, Cody Linger and Luke Mccarty putting in respectable performances in the loss.
LONGFORD surged to the top of the ladder in a 25-point win against George Town at Blue Gum Park.
The Tigers led at every change with young forward Daniel Berry kicking six majors in the 13.12 (90) to 12.8 (80) triumph.
Connor and Baden Alexander were commanding for the victors as they showed they are a force to be reckoned with this season.
Alan Zanevra showed he is worthy of inclusion after being overlooked for the season-opening Rocherlea clash as he featured in George Town's best players for the second week in a row.
Recruits Corey Nankervis and Zach Burt were strong with Burt kicking three as Gavin Nutting, Allan O'Sign, Chev Deacon and young Sam Freeman rounded out the goalscorers.
HILLWOOD overcame a persistent Deloraine outfit in a 10-point come from behind win away from home.
Nathan Pearce and star recruit Tom Bennett kicked three a piece for the Sharks in the 13.12 (90) to 12.8 (80) victory with Tyson Gardam doing the same for the home side.
With the lead alternating between the breaks, Deloraine led by seven points heading into the last quarter with a major upset on the cards but the premiership fancies showed their skills and former North Launceston hard-man Mark Walsh was given best on ground honours for Hillwood in the win.
In the evening game of the round, Andrew Cox-Goodyer's ROCHERLEA overcame a 25-minute blackout and a disappointing Bracknell side to collect its first win of the year with a three-goal victory at home.