Two tough losses to start the season has North Launceston coach Dean Smith certain of one thing - round five's TSLW grand final rematch is going to be a cracker.
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After valiantly but convincingly going down to Launceston in their season opener, the Northern Bombers found life even tougher against reigning premier Clarence on Saturday.
After Jessie Williams' seven-goal haul last round it was Jacinta Limbrick who kicked a bag at UTAS Stadium, slotting four majors in the 9.12 (66) to 0.2 (2) win.
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"They played really well Clarence, I think they're a better side this year than what they had last year," Smith said.
"I can't wait to see Clarence and Launceston play each other.
"We struggled, we were pretty even with them in centre clearances and inside 50s but they got all the score and we only got two points, so there's a bit to work with there with the forward line.
"I think the backline did what they could, but our mids were a little bit lazy so the backline were trying to cover their player and the player that's running at them and they admitted that after the game.
"We've got a bye next week so we'll get some fitness into them over this next week."
Smith praised young trio Zoe Bourne, who was among the Bombers' best for the second game running, Jemma Blair and Sophie Farrow for holding their own against the Roos, while experienced midfielder Maggie Cuthbertson and former Meander Valley Sun Genevieive Dalco also stood up.
"There's some positives there but there's a lot to work on - all we'll look for is improvement," Smith said.
"This year we've struck the two grand finalists and it's a tough start to the year, but at least we know where we're at.
"The positive is we'll stick with these girls, they're young and the next five years they're just going to get better and better."
In the other game, Glenorchy bounced back from a loss with a 13.13 (91) to 1.0 (6) thumping of Tigers.
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