Lions’ pack powers into cracking form

THE Hobart Hutchins Lions travelled north to take on an AMC Vikings in fine form for round 5 of the Tasmanian Rugby Union Competition.

With the Lions lacking a little backline depth, it was fantastic to see usual frontrower Sammy Lopa roll out with No.10 on his back.

The Vikings must have been thinking of using their superior pace to run at the Lions midfield but, in recognis- ing this, the Hutchins Hobart forwards stepped up to brutally control the set pieces, putting on a master class.

The Lions’ eight could not have been more dominant, allowing Ian Clack to selectively kick from the scrum base to gain crucial territory when required.

Showing great heart, the AMC stuck with the Lions until the full-time whistle. The final score was 23-15. “A sensational effort today,” Lions stalwart Jonathon Cook said. “This was one of our better games for some time.”

The Lions will now look to improve against the likes of Taroona in the next rounds bolstered by returning strongman David Palmer.

At Rugby Park, it was an interesting day, given the two Taroona teams played the two Harlequins teams.

Both sides used the outings with tactics and strategy in mind. Some players were rested, others doubled up.

What was apparent was some great rugby whereby Taroona firsts beat Harlequins Blue 39-7 and Harlequins Red beat Taroona seconds 59-36.

Both sides were blessed with depth and the day marked the strength of those two clubs.

At Eady St, a strong Glenorchy Stags side showed up to play an undermanned Burnie Emus side. The result was as expected, with the Stags running out very comfortable winners 50-0.

Best Stags were Leroy Hart at fly-half and Michael Lovell.