Laurimar strengthened its chances to claim a top two spot in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 after a convincing 39-point win over Kilmore at Laurimar Reserve.
The 16.7 (103) to 9.10 (64) win keeps Laurimar on top of the ladder and more importantly, two games clear of third placed South Morang.
Laurimar led narrowly at half time, before the Blues surged early in the third term to go almost two goals ahead past the midway mark of the third term. But, from then on, the Power dominated and scored nine of the last ten goals.
Jacob Lawson on the wing was instrumental in the triumph and booted five goals in a best on ground display. Nathan Andrews also impressed and slotted three majors playing midfield and forward.
“In the first half, we weren’t playing great,” said Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins.
“But we really dug in after that, got the basics right and got the ball back in our court. We got our hands on the ball later in the game and I’m really proud of our boys.”
As well as Lawson and Andrews, Atkins had praise for Ethan Frawley and Luke Wilson, the latter returning to the team after missing the previous week.
Ethan Bateman also got a big tick as he stepped up when swung into the ruck and helped turn the game. The win came despite losing Mitch Thompson early, but he did manage two goals before he was ruled out.
Back-to-back losses on the road has seen Kilmore slip from top spot to fourth and two games behind second.
“Full credit to Laurimar,” said Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips.
“They’re a class outfit and well coached. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to match it with them for four quarters and when they got a run-on, we were flat-footed and second to the ball.”
Phillips thought that they could’ve made better use of their period of dominance shortly after the half time break but missed some opportunities to go further in front at the time.
Some things did work well for the Blues, however. Phillips was pleased that Peter de Sousa and Stephen McIntyre who managed to keep dangerous forwards Matthew Gersh and Jacson Cecil to a goal apiece.
Grant Paxton was a success up forward with five goals, while Ethan Derrick followed on his good form from the previous week to make a solid contribution.
The good news for the Blues is that they return home to J.J. Clancy Reserve next week to round out matches prior to the Queen’s Birthday bye, but the challenge will be their opponents in Old Eltham Collegians who currently sit two games ahead of them and will head into the match on a seven game winning streak.
Laurimar makes the short trip to play Mernda at Waterview Recreation Reserve and may need to win to remain on top of the table.
