Northern Tasmanian rugby union sides battle it out for premiership glory

In a meteoric return to the Tasmanian Rugby Union after the club battled debts and a shortage of players just last year, Eastern Suburbs burst their bubble in a 30-21 result for the division two title.

Devonport Bulls delivered a better outcome for Northern Tasmania, securing an exciting 28-20 victory over Hobart Harlequins.

The back-to-back premierships has now wiped away memories of being stripped of a place in the 2016 grand final for erroneously fielding an ineligible player.

For Launceston, renamed in the offseason from the Bees moniker, the defeat was not the end of their story.

"I'm completely proud of the boys," Launceston coach Issac Anderson said.

"To come from nowhere to make a grand final was an achievement, even if we didn't quite get there. In terms of the coaching staff, we're very proud of the boys.

"It was a magnificent effort.

"I thought we played some fantastic football, but we just came up a little bit short.

"We're already preparing to come back for next year."

The Roosters crossed the line four tries to three on Saturday in Hobart.

Tighthead prop Harrison Johnson, blindside flanker Alberto Mayony both scored while hooker Issac Anderson ran in his 15th try of the year.

The Tigers backs looked to have the edge in open play, but Easts' experience counted in the often brutal encounter.

"In the big moments, Eastern Suburbs won them," Anderson said. "They had too much structure on the day."