Laurimar came from behind and then managed to hang on in the dying seconds for a nail-biting three-point victory over Old Eltham Collegians in their Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 clash at Laurimar Reserve.
The 8.8 (56) to 8.5 (53) victory is the Power’s third consecutive triumph and are now just one of two sides to register four or more wins in the competition thus far, meanwhile the Turtles slip to a 2-3 record.
Old Eltham Collegians led narrowly from early in the opening term and held their lead right through to the last break. It was a tight, tough contest with almost every possession hard-earned by both teams.
Holding a seven-point lead at half time in a low scoring affair, the Turtles booted three of the first four majors after the interval to break away to a game high 19-point lead.
But the Power kicked into gear midway through the third quarter. A mark and goal from a long shot on the boundary by Ethan Bateman seemed to spark the home team.
Another major soon after to Jacob Lawson reduced the deficit to just under a goal and Laurimar looked to have all the momentum. But a couple of missed shots late in the term coupled with a goal for the Turtles by Matthew Williamson against the run of play, saw the visitors take an eight-point lead into three quarter time.
Despite trailing at the final change, there was some confidence in the Power huddle. Their coach Jimmy Atkins asked for their talls to make a contest in the air and ended his speech saying, “we’re going to win this game!”
Atkins’ prediction looked to be spot on when his team started the final quarter like a rocket. They booted three goals to no score in the first ten minutes of the term to take a 10-point lead.
This period included Micah Vecchio’s second goal as well as a brilliant effort from Jai Langford who grabbed the ball at half forward, ran his full measure and nailed the finish.
Old Eltham Collegians needed a lift, and it came courtesy of a downfield free to Matthew Williamson. Williamson was 45 metres out on the boundary and kick looked to be missing left initially, but took a late in-swing to register his fourth of the afternoon.
With the Power lead cut to 4-points, the last few minutes of the game was a desperate affair with neither team being able to find an avenue to goal.
A highlight for the Laurimar faithful was a solo effort by Langford. A long kick from defensive 50 by a Turtles player to the wing saw Langford running alone to contest with multiple taller opponents. Langford not only managed to bring the ball to ground, but also forced a stalemate in what looked certain to be a forward 50 entry for Old Eltham Collegians.
Still, there was a twist to come. In the dying seconds, a long ball inside 50 for the Turtles saw Williamson mark strongly 20 metres out virtually straight in front. Unfortunately for him and his team, his shot sailed left, and the siren sounded soon after to give the Power a narrow win.
“It was a real gutsy win today,” Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins said.
“The game wasn’t played our way, but we adjusted, got some run and carry and it got us over the line.”
Atkins lauded the work of Luke Wilson in the midfield as well as Ethan Bateman when he went forward later in the game. Ethan Frawley returned to the team this week to be a solid contributor.
Jacob Lawson was a livewire across half forward, while William Jacovou also impressed.
Despite the loss, there were some positives for fans of the Turtles.
“Disappointed to have lost, but happy to get our brand back,” Old Eltham Collegians coach Matthew Sleeman said.
“Today was much more of a Turtles style compared to the first four weeks.”
Sleeman praised the work of Tim Ellis in defence and especially noted his strong contested marking under pressure. The defence as a whole stood up, with Jaedyn Kearney’s use of the ball exemplary and Daniel Hallett following up an impressive display in the reserves with playing a critical role on dangerous forward Jacson Cecil.
Eden Simpson, Jack Fitzgerald and Jeremy Murphy won plenty of the ball through the midfield.
