TASMANIA cruised to a comfortable 62-point victory over Queensland in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championship match at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium on Saturday.

A six-goals-to-nil first quarter meant the locals were never truly threatened despite being outscored four goals to one in the second quarter, resuming their first-quarter form after the long-break by restricting Queensland to a solitary behind in the third quarter and pulling away in the last to win by 16.14 (110) to 7.6 (48).

Dominant in the first and third quarters, Tasmania did what the visitors were unable to do in using the stiff northerly breeze to full effect, superior ball use by hand and foot making for regular opportunities on goal.

In contrast, Queensland struggled to work its way into goal-scoring positions, repeatedly breaking down around half-forward and allowing the home side to work the ball clear in numbers.

Tasmania’s ability to rotate several key players through the midfield was also telling, Ryan Harwood and Jesse Crichton both spending productive time on the ball and chipping in by kicking and creating goals from wing and half-forward.

Harwood was particularly damaging during his spells up forward, kicking three majors to be the leading goal-kicker and best afield.

Tasmania finished with six multiple goal-kickers, including two each to captain Luke Russell and impressive utility Daniel Archer whose strength and diversity allowed him to do well both back and forward. Big man Cameron Milne also did well for the Mariners, using his size to full effect in the ruck and in repelling Queensland across half-back.

With numerous changes to the side that played South Australia in round three, it was always going to be a difficult road trip for Queensland and despite the side being well beaten around the ground, onballer Brad Rees and half-forward Damien Steven both worked hard to provide some spark for their team-mates.

Despite being named in a back pocket, Joseph Daye found his way forward and kicked two goals to be the only multiple goalkicker for the visitors, singles going to Jack Stanlake, Lewis Moss, Grayson McIvor, Gerard Moore and Cheyne Hutchison.

Both sides will now switch their focus to the looming double-header week to finish the 2009 championships. Tasmania will face Western Australia and NSW/ACT and must win both fixtures to be any chance of topping its pool while Queensland has to contend with Vic Metro and Northern Territory in their remaining matches.

Tasmania       6.7  8.10  14.12  16.14  (110)
Queensland      0.0  4.0  4.1  7.6 (48)

GOALS
Tasmania: Ryan Harwood 3, Rhys Mott 2, Luke Russell 2, Josh Green 2, Jeremy Howe 2, Daniel Archer 2, Sam Rundle, Tom Balcombe, Cameron Milne
Queensland: Joseph Daye 2, Jack Stanlake, Lewis Moss, Grayson McIvor, Gerard Moore, Cheyne Hutchinson

BEST
Tasmania: Ryan Harwood, Cameron Milne, Marcus Davies, Jesse Crichton, Josh Green, Daniel Archer
Queensland: Brad Rees, Damien Steven, Grayson McIvor, Troy Jamieson, Josh Milani

Umpires: Matt Clarke, Nathan Howell, Nick Kaine