UTAS Lions record first win since 2018 after beating Meander Valley

They hadn't won since 2018 but that changed when they scored a 11.13 (79) to 5.8 (38) victory against Meander Valley Suns at University Oval.

Comments from coach David Manktelow and new captain Will Geysing in recent weeks suggested things were going to be different this year.

They spoke of earning the respect of the competition and a fresh game plan.

The Lions got great value out of their recruits, including Dan McHugh (from Brisbane), Tim Reynolds (Hobart Uni) and teenager Wyatt Wagner-Garwood who featured in the best players.

Taj Allen, Lockwood Duncombe and Kye Moore were also in the mix.

Duncombe kicked four majors and Moore slotted one.

Northern Territory recruit Braydon Weily found the big sticks on debut.

Daniel Osborne, Joe Lowe and Aaron Saltmarsh were among the Suns' best performers and Isaac Dingemanse snagged two goals.

Meander Valley also blooded recruits Tom Groves and Jack Deane.

Now the Lions can aim for two in a row when they host St Pats in the upcoming round.

Old Scotch got their revenge against Old Launcestonians with 9.9 (63) to 6.8 (44) triumph at the NTCA ground.

It came after OLs defeated the Thistles by 10 points in last year's qualifying final.

Old Scotch were 19 points down at the first change and eight points the lesser at the main break.

A stunning final term saw the Thistles surge home.

Jock Darke, Charlie Eastoe and skipper Jonty Swallow were named in the best. Eastoe kicked three goals while Hobart Uni recruit Clay Ritchie and Josh Mathews booted a pair each.

Mark Edwards, Charles Fry and Tyler Claxton played well for the Blues.

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Old Scotch coach Brayley Coombes, in recent weeks, said his team was looking forward to playing both 2021 grand finalists in the opening two rounds.

The Thistles bowed out in straight sets in finals last year so are keen to make amends.

They take on Lilydale next weekend at Lilydale.

Despite a tight first half, St Pats recorded a resounding 15.6 (96) to 7.3 (45) win at Morven Park.

The Saints were only up by a goal at half-time but made it a 32-point lead in the third stanza.

Jake King with five majors was named St Pats' best while Callum Harrison and Nathan Barry played well.

Gun signing Jake Laskey (South Launceston) kicked a goal.

The Saints are keen to improve on their fifth-placing in 2021. Co-coach Alex Russell has said they want to finish top three.

Evandale's South Launceston recruit Jak Hadley made an impressive start being recognised as the Eagles' best.

Co-captain Tyler Brown and recruit Taj Mountney also contributed well.

Adam Marland, who switched from East Coast, kicked truly twice.

Meanwhile, reigning premier Lilydale had little trouble on its way to a 13.20 (98) to 7.4 (46) victory against Perth at Perth Sports Ground.

Ty Ponting, Daniel Viney and Thane Bardenhagen put in a great game. Billy Tuckerman also earned a nod in the best after slotting six goals.

Jake Smith, captain Nathan Croft and Jakob Williams were among Perth's better performers.

East Coast had the bye and play Evandale in round two at Morven Park.

Meander Valley and Perth will meet at Westbury Recreation Ground.

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