Devonport coach Jeremy Scott believes his side are well placed for a mid-season surge after exploding in Round 3 of the TRU Premiership.
The Bulls struggled on the road across the opening two weeks with a scratchy 31-25 win over Glenorchy preceding their record 98-12 loss to Launceston in Round 2.
But Devonport are a different beast with a full squad on home turf and showed University as much, rolling the students 74-17 at Don Recreation Oval on Saturday.
Centre Eliki Bativudi, fullback Jamie Tanti and flyhalf Mark Meo scored doubles in a 12-try blitz with Scott crediting his halves pairing for their renewed attacking vigour.
Round 3 of the 2023 season saw the Tree Doctor Devonport Rugby Union Football Club hosting the University of Tasmania...
Posted by Devonport Bulls Rugby Union Club on Sunday, May 14, 2023
“We had a fair few players out across those opening two weeks and getting some key personnel back last weekend really helped against Uni,” Scott said.
“Mark Meo was very good at 10 – he directed us around the ground well – Josh Gold played a really good game from 9 and we got one of our second rowers Luke Spring running some good hard lines from 13 as well.
“Great to get our first home win and I think we’re in a good place now.”
🔴🔵 Div 1 results 🔵🔴 The Penguins 🐧 at home were just too strong. Super close game and low scores indicate the fight that both teams were locked in to.
Posted by Burnie Emus Rugby Union Club on Friday, May 12, 2023
Devonport’s next opponent is Taroona, who sit clear atop the TRU premiership ladder after edging Burnie 25-18 last weekend.
Both sides scored three tries with the goalkicking of Penguins flyhalf Noah Kazarine proving the difference in a hard-fought affair at Rugby Park.
“Both those sides have been travelling well and credit to them but nobody wins a premiership after Round 2 or 3,” Scott said.
Great to see the boys get their first win of the season today super proud of how far we have come in 12 weeks, also just...
Posted by Glenorchy Rugby Union Football Club on Saturday, May 13, 2023
“We knew we had a few players out early and knew we’d have a tough start to the year but we’ve got most back now and we’ll be targeting this middle part of the season.”
In the other Round 3 Premiership fixtures, a Tjumbu Hart hat-trick helped Glenorchy bag a 27-17 win over Hobart Lions to open their account while Launceston outclassed Hobart Harlequins 71-3 at Royal Park.
The Tigers also enjoyed success in the Championship division, rolling Eastern Suburbs 86-0, while Burnie got one back over Taroona in a 34-33 thriller.
