Penguins get the jump on Lions in lively grudge match

A HOBART Hutchins Lions past-players event produced a large crowd at the Hutchins campus for a rugby union grudge match against Taroona Penguins on Saturday.

Taroona boasted a quality backline, but the Lions’ game plan of a forwards’ phase continuity served them well.

Hobart pulled an early surprise by having gun open-side David Craig start in the centres. But two early set-piece disasters from the Lions allowed the Penguins’ No. 8 two easy tries.

One ball floated over the lineout against the throw from five metres out, while a tight head on the goal line produced the other goal.

Unconverted, Taroona took an early 10-0 lead.

When Sammy Lopa limped off for the Lions, it was looking ominous for the home side.

The Lions then pegged back the score with two penalties and it was game on.

Amazingly, the remainder of game was played between both sides’ 22s.

The teams pushed and prodded but neither could gain any momentum. Line breaks were few and far between.

Remarkably, the game was still a spectacle, with plenty of phase play and ball running.

The quality of defence was exceptional as Taroona run out 10-6 winners.

Best players for Hobart were Ian Clack and David Craig, and for the Penguins Anthony Lean and Ed Salter.

At Eady St, the Glenorchy Stags had a massive win over Harlequins 74-17.

“We have been waiting a long time for this,” Stags coach William Thomas said.

Thomas picked brother Aron and Mick Lovell as their best.

Devonport Bulls defeated the AMC Vikings 81-20.