Clarence weathers storm to down North Hobart in TSL

With a place in the top four up for grabs, North Hobart stole the march early but the Dees were eventually run down by Clarence while suspended coach Peter Ryan watched from the grand stand.

A win would have elevated North into the top four and displaced Clarence.

Instead, the Roos claimed a 37-point win and distanced themselves from Lauderdale (fifth) and North Hobart (sixth), both on 16 premiership points.

Serving a one-match suspension for giving the field umpires a verbal after losing to the Tigers two weeks ago _ before the full-round bye for the Tasmania-Queensland representative game _ Ryan was frustrated at Clarence’s first half.

The visitors trailed at quarter-time and half-time, but a sensational 7.2 to 0.2 third term set up the win.

Clarence’s backline conceded only 1.6 in the second half despite the loss of centre half-back Keegan Wylie (hamstring), who was replaced by ruckman Sam Green, whose shoes were in turn filled by key forward Noah Holmes.

Ryan said it was a frustrating day observing as Development League coach Trent Hope masterminded the win.

“It was pretty tough just watching and having no control and seeing a few things and not being able to do anything about it,” Ryan said.

As a spectator, Ryan was able to view the Clarence “brand” of football at arm’s length, but it was tough to roll it out at times on a cold and wet winter’s day.

“For a lot of the day we did, and I’m really proud of their efforts given where we are at with our injuries _ we had 24 players unable to play across seniors and Development League and the coach out suspended,” Ryan said.

“Our start was a lot to do with the tough conditions but they really showed a strong desire to compete and stood up when it counted.”

It was Wylie’s first game back from a hamstring injury.

“He’s had that injury for the past couple of weeks and it’s kept him out so I’m hoping it’s nothing too serious,” Ryan said.

A week after helping Tasmania beat Queensland in an inspiring win watched by 7189 fans at the same venue, Baxter Norton led Clarence to a much-needed win with his work in the midfield.

He kicked two goals, along with Colin Garland in his return from injury while Connor McGee also kicked a couple.

Green was influential in the ruck and solid when he moved to defense and only three games back from his foray into the SFL, Keren Howlett was back to his best as a high half-forward.

Norton’s brother Angus was outstanding for North Hobart and Dee bigman Nick Jackson scored a game-high three goals.

james.bresnehan@news.com.au

Originally published as Clarence weathers storm to down North Hobart in TSL