The Local Game Returns!

Devonport City look favorites this year after an outstanding performance in recent competitions.

Soccer has officially returned in Northern Tasmania, with the competition rapidly approaching all clubs. Already now Pre-Season tournaments are about to begin and some have already been taken to a conclusion.

For some Launceston based teams and coastal ones the Mies Family Cup proved to be a tough and entertaining Tournament for all watching and all playing. This tournament, for most teams were a run-out and a chance to finally seek tough competition and to exploit different tactics for the coaches on the sidelines.

 Teams such as the likes of Devonport City and Ulverstone were showing there squads were up and running very quickly and early in the pre-season, with fine displays in the group games and a nail-biting penalty shoot-out in the final, which in the end Devonport prevailed. In this case it may look like the coastal teams are preparing better than the Launceston teams this year with Northern Rangers putting on a ''very rusty'' performance bowing out of the group stage with 3 losses. The Ranger Army still seem to be passionate but that passion on the field might have been all but lost and with 4 key players leaving The Rangers soon. It now looks like they might be in a little strife coming into the Season!! Along with Northern Rangers, Prospect Knights performed averagely with a loss to Launceston United and Devonport City and a decent showing against Launceston City team 2.

Northern Rangers weren't at there usual best at the Mies Family cup earlier on this year

For other teams who didn't participate in the Mies Cup, they have there respective cups to look forward to, Somerset, Devonport and co. have the exciting North-West Summer Cup, which always ends in drama for the final 2 teams. In Launceston next weekend at Birch Avenue there is the 42nd annual Steve Hudson Cup which involves 9 teams which means either Southern or Northern teams have to experience the frustrating bye for the first time, but besides that and some other minor changes the competition should still be as fiery as ever with the introduction of 3 southern teams in New Town Eagles, Glenorchy Knights and reining champions South Hobart. Both groups in the competition are as follows;

In Group 1-(A) is; Riverside Olympic, Glenorchy Knights, Launceston City and New Town Eagles.

In Group B is; South Hobart, Ulverstone, Launceston United, Northern Rangers and Prospect Knights.

This year should be great time and soccer should be shown at its best, wherever it is!
Next post will involve a review and prediction on all teams in the competition and any important updates around the North.

Happy Footballing, Daniel.