Mernda has made it three wins in a row after defeating Kilmore by 18 points in their Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 clash at Waterview Recreation Reserve.
On a sunny but windy day both teams gave it their all in the crucial matchup, with Mernda in the end coming out on top 9.14 (68) to 7.8 (50).
Having won their last three games the Demons now sit equal on wins with Kilmore, Reservoir, Ivanhoe and Kinglake.
Despite the loss the Blues remain inside the top five after Kinglake and Ivanhoe went down to the Fitzroy Stars and Ivanhoe respectively.
Kilmore’s Jared Crosbie had another fantastic game, kicking three goals, while Chris Barton and Jesse Taylor were named in the best for the away side.
Matthew Bawden and Christian Evans both kicked two goals for Mernda, with Billy Morrison and Jake Bennett also being named in their best.
It was a strong start for Mernda, with players connecting well which led them to sustain the ball within their forward 50.
Through that connection, Robert Fletcher’s men kicked nine out of the total 11 scoring shots from the quarter, finishing the first term leading 4.5 (29) to 1.1 (7).
Kilmore clapped back in the second quarter, taking four consecutive scoring shots within the first seven minutes, but only gaining one goal from these opportunities.
Paul Derrick’s men were able to sustain their pressure as they were able to keep Mernda to one goal in the second term.
With the wind strong both teams aimed to take advantage of it. However they were unable to capitalise, scoring more points than behinds.
Kilmore’s push back in the second term led to a draw at half time, with both sides locked on 5.5 (35).
With the wind proving to be a driving factor on the scoring end, it was Mernda with the advantage of it in the third term as Kilmore put in their all defensive wise.
Despite Kilmore’s defensive efforts, Mernda were able to have 12 scoring shots to the Blues one.
Mernda didn’t capitalize on their scoring opportunities, only kicking three goals, which led Kilmore to stay in the game. The third term ended 8.14 (62) to 6.5 (41) in favour of Mernda.
Coming into the fourth term Kilmore had the wind behind them and were able to constantly push the ball into their forward line.
But with Mernda stacking their backline, Kilmore were unable to take clean marks, only kicking one goal and four points whilst Mernda sneaked a goal in.
An overall competitive game, the wind being a major impact, influencing who was the attacking side.
Mernda’s decision to flood their defense in the last quarter made it a tough run for Kilmore, leading the home side to sustain their lead and take away the win, 9.14 (68) to 7.8 (50).
