Heidelberg West made it three wins on the trot with a hard-fought nine-point win over Kilmore at J.J. Clancy Reserve.
The 9.11 (65) to 8.8 (56) win helped the Hawks to square the ledger and sets them level with the Blues on three wins, but with an inferior percentage.
Kicking with the aid of a slight breeze to the change-room end, Heidelberg West got off to a flyer with a 3.5 to nil first term. The Hawks dominated the inside 50s and probably should have led by more.
Their defence – led by Kane Moore, Blake Manton McCarthy and Alex Purtell – was on top early and repelled all of Kilmore’s offensive thrusts. Luke McKenna was productive as an inside midfielder.
The Hawks looked on track to emulate their 70-point at the same venue last season, but the Blues hit back hard and won the next two quarters. Their players missed some easy shots, but they worked extremely hard to get back into the contest.
Leigh Irons was excellent early in the midfield when his team was struggling and continued to do well throughout the contest. Daniel Rebbechi contributed off a wing.
The Blues were also well served by 18-year-olds Grant Paxton, down back, and Jeremy Topham, who played mid and forward.
Kilmore trailed by 10 points ay the last break, but the home side carried on its momentum from the previous quarters to hit the front with a Marcus Webb goal.
Webb – providing help in the midfield and forward – goaled again soon after. His third major gave his team a nine-point lead in front of the excited local crowd.
But Heidelberg West lifted when needed. Snapped goals to Justin Bentley, Zach Tranter and Ryan Gall put the Hawks two goals up with about 10 minutes to go.
Kilmore’s Sean Ryan had to be stretchered off at that point and the game was held up for some time.
During that break, Jaxson Kinnear was moved forward despite doing very well down back all day. He immediately marked, but his shot was errant. However, two brilliant goals were to follow.
Kinnear’s teammate Michael McCulloch marked 40 metres out on the boundary. He slotted the shot and got his team within a kick.
The highlight of the day was a left foot banana goal by Hawk Matthew Reinke which sealed the deal for his team. The more efficient forward play in the final term helped Heidelberg West narrowly win the day.
Kilmore continued to attack, but its last foray forward resulted in an intercept mark to Jarryd Coulson – one of many he took for the day.
“For a young side, we withstood a lot of pressure, but failed to capitalise on a few opportunities late that could have made the difference,” Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said.
Heidelberg West’s team looks much better than early in the season, when many of their best side were unavailable.
“It’s always good to get two wins on the road (including the previous game against South Morang) and now we get two in a row at home,” Heidelberg West coach Gary Cutler said. “We are building nicely and have some depth.”
Late inclusion Jake Chiminello was recruited from Macleod and had an immediate impact for the Hawks.
Heidelberg West now hosts in-form Laurimar at Heidelberg Park. Kilmore heads to A.E. Cracknell Reserve for its first ever meeting with Panton Hill. Both matches will be crucial as teams jostle for a crack at the finals.
Final score: Kilmore 8.8 (56) def by Heidelberg West 9.11 (65)
