Hobart Zebras have claimed the first piece of silverware available in 2017 by claiming the NPL Summer Series title at Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon.
After losing 1-0 to Devonport in their first game, Zebras needed to defeat Olympia in the final game of the day to claim the trophy, with a draw enough for the Warriors after their thrilling 2-2 draw with Launceston City in their first game put them a point clear on top of the table.
The final was all one way traffic however, as the young Olympia side were no match for the Zebras who ran out 3-0 victors. Luke Huigsloot scored twice and caused all sorts of problems with his physicality, whilst a fine strike from long range from Jordan Muller capped a comfortable win in a game they controlled from the early moments. Matthew Sanders was again a force up top, whilst fellow new signing Chris Downes offered his usual deadly precision from set pieces. It saw them finish on 5 wins from their 6 games for a total of 15 points, which was enough to see them finish ahead of Olympia in 2nd, on 13 points.
The win represents immediate success for master coach Peter Savill, who has made the switch from Devonport, whom he guided to a League and Cup double in 2016. The Zebras side played with a similar steel and determination that were the hallmarks of his Devonport team and it has become clear throughout the Summer Series he is building this Zebras side in a similar mold.
Elsewhere, Clarence enjoyed a successful day, jumping up to fourth place by earning a 2-2 draw with Launceston City and a 2-1 win over Kingborough. Kingborough would then bounce back with a 3-0 win over Northern Rangers, to claim their first victory of the Summer Series, a feat Rangers themselves had achieved with their upset 2-0 win over Devonport thanks to a brace from Harry Thannhauser.
Match Day 3 Scores
Devonport 0-2 Northern Rangers
Launceston City 2-2 Olympia
Clarence 2-1 v Kingborough
Northern Rangers 0-3 Kingborough
Devonport 1-0 Hobart Zebras
Olympia 0-3Hobart Zebras
Launceston City 2-2 Clarence
Final Standings
Hobart Zebras 5-0-1 15pts (+12)
Olympia 4-1-1 13pts (+6)
Devonport 4-0-2 12pts (+3)
Clarence 2-1-3 7pts (-9)
Launceston City 1-3-2 6pts (0)
Kingborough 1-2-3 4pts (-5)
Northern Rangers 1-0-5 3pts (-7)