GLENORCHY ENDS BURNIE PREMIERSHIP DEFENCE

LAUNCESTON is raring to go in the TSL Women’s grand final after booking a place in the big dance with a narrow win over minor premier Clarence yesterday.

The Blues came up trumps in their semi-final clash with Clarence 5.8 (38) to 4.4 (28) at Geilston Bay, with star Daria Bannister booting two goals and Georgia Hill named best afield.

The Blues will tackle the winner of this weekend’s preliminary final between the Roos and Glenorchy in the September 23 grand final.

Launceston assistant coach Ange Dickson said a week off would prove valuable for her side.

“It was important for us to have a strong game [against Clarence],” Dickson said.

“The girls are confident now, we will work on a few set plays before the game [such as] set shots and marks, one-percenters. But we’re ready, we’re ready to play.”

The Magpies shot into their preliminary final after ending Burnie’s premiership defence with a strong 7.8 (50) to 2.2 (14) win at KGV yesterday.

Pies assistant coach Peter Barwick said any finals match was never going to be easy.

“Burnie brought more in- tensity [yesterday] than through the season,” Barwick said.

“Our girls lifted and the in- dividual efforts were very good.”

Dickson said the clash against Clarence would be challenging. “We have beaten Clarence once this year and the way we can do that again is pressure,” Dickson said.