Penguins ice the win with late tries

THE Taroona Penguins faced a challenge to their unbeaten season in the Tasmanian Rugby Union competition at the weekend.

Harlequins are one of the few teams with the talent to challenge the Taroona juggernaut — and challenge they did.

It was immediately clear the Quins had a defensive intensity about them. They were able to put pressure on the formidable Penguins attack and stopped them getting their usual free-flowing and counter-attack game going.

Taroona had a set piece edge, with coach Chris Noble noting the contributions of second rowers James Holman and Anthony Lean.

Scores were locked for about 65 minutes before the enviable Taroona depth allowed it to score a couple of late tries and win 37-17.

Also at Rugby Park, the Hobart Hutchins Lions beat the Eastern Suburbs Roosters.

The Lions controlled the first half with a strong forward structure led by the powerful Rodrigo Ximeno and livewire Tristian Lawrence.

To their credit, Easts used the break to regroup and scored quickly but the Lions finished the game stronger and ran away 38-15 winners.

In the final Southern game, the Glenorchy Stags took on an improving University.

Uni looked flat from the outset and allowed the Stags pack multiple pick-and-go opportunities. Combining this continuity with some superb offloads, Glenorchy dominated the game to win 67-17.

In the Northern competition, the AMC Vikings enjoyed a forfeited result to the Launceston Bees while the Devonport Bulls had a comfortable win over the Burnie Emus.