Launceston's two clubs are shaping up at the top end of State League ladder with compelling cases they finally could meet in the grand final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Northern Hawks sought revenge over a defeat to AYC-Friends Arrows just 22 days ago in a grand final rematch.
The defending premiers turned around a 17-goal loss into a 61-52 win on Sunday.
"It's the best consistent game that we have had so far this season," Hawks coach Ruth Tuohy declared.
"It shows us what we've learned from the last two games and our ability to take those challenges from them and put them back on the court. Full credit to the team for the work they've put in."
The Hawks didn't risk any chances against their big-match rivals, pulling out a strong 17-9 second term to lead by 13 goals at half-time.
Goal attack Danni Pickett provided leadership on court to put in a player-of-the-round performance.
Defender Tessa Coote was consistent all game and capitalised on Arrows' turnovers.
After two losses following four early wins, Tuohy can visualise the side building toward a season-ending zenith.
"We've had some changes and we are a different team from last year," she said.
"We needed to take some of the pressure off what everyone else is expecting, and to find that groove and bring it together as a team.
"We were challenged the last two weeks and we were not ready for that at the time.
"I think a loss you can get so much more from that than just winning. It's really great to see what we have taken from those losses and I would like to think we can continue to build from here."
Cavaliers almost seamlessly delivered a seventh win in a row to remain unbeaten.
Coach Dan Roden was forced to ring in the changes to a list close to decimated.
"I think what's most pleasing about the result was we only had a core group of five players, so we had to bring in four new players," he said after beating Karana 59-28.
"We had lots of new connections and combinations, and you're never sure with such a limited preparation about how it's going to work.
"I felt to come away with the win and for the girls to play the way they played was just a fantastic effort.
"We're building without our defensive end probably for another two games."
Roden was forced to bring club coach Dannie Carstens out of retirement into an unfamiliar goalkeeper role.
Carsten's opens coach successor said her return for the first time since 2015 was "beyond all expectations".
"What was really great was her experience on court, the communication, she controlled the back end with her voice, certainly she is still very fit and it's only match fitness that isn't," he said.
"That might have been a part of her concerns going into the match, but you wouldn't have known that the way she played with her intensity and efforts."