Laurimar took a major stride forward in its quest for a Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 top-two finish, inflicting South Morang’s first loss of the 2021 season.
The Power led all day in the 16.6 (102) to 13.6 (84) triumph at Laurimar Reserve, with the result – coupled with Kilmore’s defeat to Old Eltham Collegians – moving them one game and percentage clear in second spot.
South Morang came from behind at three quarter time to win when the sides met at Mill Park Lakes Reserve earlier in the season, but it was the Power who managed to hold on this time around to claim their best win of the campaign.
Laurimar made a fast start, booting five goals to one in the first term to lead by 23 points at quarter time, before extending the advantage to 35 points heading into the main break.
South Morang cut the gap back to 23 points by the final break, but unlike the Round 6 encounter, Laurimar was able to hold out the ladder-leader by three straight kicks this time around.
Speaking to NFNL.org.au following the win, Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins was thrilled with the way his side rose to challenge when South Morang pressed after half time.
“We knew they weren’t going to lay down and we knew we had to fight out the game,” Atkins said.
“I thought we had even contributors across the whole ground, and you need to have that against the top side.”
Sixteen-year-old forward Brody Glenn had a great day and booted four goals in only his third senior game, with Atkins impressed by the performance of the young star in such a big game.
“We won’t get him all the time, but he had a good day today. He was exactly what we needed,” Atkins said.
Glenn’s performance further bolstered Laurimar’s attacking end, with Josh Williamson again hitting the scoreboard, booting three goals to improve his season tally to 39.
Atkins was also impressed by the performances of Matt Gersh, ruckman Josh Leather and Jacob Lawson.
“Lawson was very, very good today. He probably played his best game of the year,” Atkins said.
Atkins also had praise for South Morang duo Mitch Kalpakis’ and Ben Peterson, with the latter kicking a career-high five goals in just his 16th senior game.
“Kalpakis chopped off a lot of our footy. He set them up very well and Peterson as well up forward was dangerous,” he said.
“For them to get back into the game they ran the ball very well. Their half back line was set up very well.”
Laurimar faces another season-defining game in Round 14 when it makes the trip to J.J. Clancy Reserve to take on third-placed Kilmore. A win for the Power may well seal second spot on the ladder.
Final score: Laurimar 16.6 (102) def South Morang 13.6 (84)
LAURIMAR
Goal Kickers: B. Glenn 4, J. Williamson 3, J. Lawson 2, E. Gorski, D. Francis, J. Cecil, L. Wilson, M. Lucas, M. Thompson, K. Trajanovski
Best Players: J. Lawson, J. Leather, B. Glenn, M. Gersh, J. Apted, J. Richards
SOUTH MORANG
Goal Kickers: B. Peterson 5, J. Hewson 2, N. Dalmau 2, N. Bell, L. Golledge, J. Renehan, R. Buzzini
Best Players: M. Kalpakis, A. Lazaric, N. Bell, B. Power, J. Hewson, B. Peterson
