Stags in remarkable comeback, as Penguins, Lions seal big wins

THE best six teams in Tasmanian rugby union started their run towards finals in the Division 1 competition at the weekend.

Glenorchy Stags took on an unpredictable AMC Vikings and dominated possession in the first half, but could not convert territory into points.

AMC used their speed and grit to shut down the attacking forays, often in a one-on-one situation, and scored the only score of the first half to take the lead 5-0 at the break.

Stags sharpshooter Eric Duck was having an off day, missing three penalties in the first half.

The second half was much more even, but AMC scored again and looked solid at 10-0.

But a warranted yellow card to the Vikings changed things.

A converted try to Josh Dorahy started the comeback, with another to Sam Kluk on the wing from the subsequent kick-off. Stags flanker Aaron Lovell sealed the comeback with an 80th minute effort and the Stags celebrated a proud 12-10 win.

Taroona Penguins faced a resurgent Hobart Harlequins at Rugby Park, but Quins were never in the game. Their performance was error-ridden and their efforts lacked fitness.

Of course, this was mainly due to the relentless structures of the Penguins.

Alastair Burke put on four tries and the second-row combination of James Holman and Ant Lean dominated lineouts. The 60-0 score put huge questions over Harlequins’ season. Taroona looked unstoppable and hot favourites for the flag.

On the North-West Coast, the Hobart Hutchins Lions showed massive determination to take a 24-12 lead over the Devonport Bulls into the half time break. Lions centre Aaron Talbot grabbed the game through the opening stanza with some direct running and heavy tackling, and the Lions looked set for an upset.

A pep talk from the Bulls coach at half time then allowed Devonport to regroup and after the break it was a different side. They operated the outside channels to huge success, and piled on the tries to win 50-17.