BANYULE picked up its fourth victory of the season with a 33-point win over Kilmore at J.J Clancy Reserve in Round 10.
The Bears became the first NFL team to make a second trip to Kilmore and both matches had similar scoring trends.
In Round 5, the Bears won the first half by 11 points and drew away to win by 40 points. This time they were a mere goal up at the main break and eventually prevailed 12.14 (86) to 8.5 (53).
“Today showed that when we stick to our game plan and do the team things, we are a pretty good side,” Banyule coach Jason Plant said. “And with our rotations, it was great to see how the boys ran the game out.”
The game was effectively won in the third term, when Banyule outscored the Blues into a two-goal wind. Kilmore then controlled the early part of the final stanza, but was not able to convert the time in forward 50 into a major.
Once the Bears gained control of the ball late in the game, they were more potent in attack – with Michael Italia booting three of his four majors in the last quarter.
Daniel Kelly and Luke Giles also finished the game off well in a four-goal to one term.
Jacob Smith recently transferred from Montmorency to Banyule and was instrumental in his first senior game for his new club.
He was involved in a slick chain of handballs in the second term and finished of the good work by slotting a goal worthy of the highlights reel. But he took no further part n the game after copping a knock in the third term.
James Allery was also lively through the midfield for the Bears and hit plenty of targets by foot. He also spent some time on the dangerous Ben Tsakmakis.
Coach Plant would also have been happy with the work of Michael Edwards. He has a good turn of foot and played his best game for the year across half forward.
Kilmore looked the better team early on and clever forward Alex Desmond had slotted two majors before Banyule had troubled the scorers.
The Blues’ pressure and work inside the packs helped them to gain that early ascendency.
But Banyule settled late in the opening term. Thereafter, it did better in the clinches – without being dominant – but clearly outplayed the Blues with the spread and run.
“Working hard and continuing the development is still our main aim going forward,” Kilmore coach Travis McCarty said.
“Today we were beaten by a more established unit and we feel that, as a group, we need to continue to work on several key areas. That will be addressed during the week.”
First gamer John Baker looked dangerous with a goal in the first term for Kilmore after a contested mark. He had several opportunities to add to his tally – but didn’t have his kicking boots on thereafter.
At times, it appeared that the floodgates were going to open – with Banyule constantly driving the ball inside 50. But a combination of poor finishing at times, combined with solid defence by the Blues limited the deficit.
Jaxson Kinnear regularly took intercept marks in the defensive 50; Brian Bell exerted an influence on the game with his ruckwork and his disposal was also top shelf, while Mitch McGrath also acquitted himself quite well in his first hit-out since a hand injury in Round 3.
Kilmore has back to back home games as it hosts ladder-leader Epping in Round 11. Banyule hosts Watsonia in yet another must-win game as the season gets toward the pointy end.
Final score: Kilmore 8.5 (53) def by Banyule 12.14 (86)
