TSLW: Launceston too strong for developing North

The Blues showed their trademark control throughout the game despite the dampened conditions at Windsor Park and had slightly more polish than their opponents in the win.

Abbey Green provided plenty of ball for her midfielders and added to her highlight reel with a Lionel Messi-esque volley out of the ruck to further the last quarter lead as Daria Bannister and Brie Rattray both picked up two majors.

Launceston were unable to fully make their opponents pay on the scoreboard until the final term but kept them an arm's length away from the four points throughout the duration.

Blues assistant coach Ross Clark was pleased with his side's effort against a determined North Launceston outfit.

"The girls played really well considering we knew North were going to turn up switched on," Clark said.

"The whole week's been about that. We knew they were going to bring the physical game and we knew that they had some really good ball winners in the middle and we had to make sure our back line and on-ball structures were set."

Defensive duo Chanette Thurlinger and captain Ashlee Carey were fantastic for the Blues and earned the praise of Clark, racking up intercept marks as the Northern Bombers attempted to break through Launceston's fortress to little avail.

"They've dominated all year and this was a really big challenge for them and their whole set-ups and structures and the way they've set up with Georgia Hill, the whole back five have been amazing."

With the clash being the first-ever TSLW Northern derby, Clark was pleased with the support shown by both clubs.

"It was the best crowd I've seen for a stand-alone ladies game. Obviously it's two Northern sides and we've put a big emphasis today on having a family day and incorporating the pink jumper."

Northern Bombers assistant coach Claudia Matteo joined Clark in applauding the progression shown in Sunday's derby and despite the result, was impressed with how the team played.

"They played exceptionally well. What we asked from them today was to stick to their players and hold them down scoring wise and really give 100 per cent effort and they did everything we asked of them," Matteo said.

Georgie Nicolson kicked the Bombers' solitary goal in the first quarter as Alexandra Anderson controlled play through the midfield.

Former Blues pair Maggie Cuthbertson and Jodie Clifford showed their class all around the ground for their newly-adopted side.