Laurimar came from behind to snatch a win in a highly entertaining Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 opening-round encounter with Kilmore at Laurimar Reserve.
A goal to skipper Mitch Thompson in the dying stages of the game put the Power in front and they held on to win by 10.7 (67) to 9.9 (63).
The Blues controlled the contest for the most part and led at every change after getting first use of the breeze. However, their inability to kick goals with the wind in the third term proved costly.
Trailing by seven points at half time, the home team was able to keep the play bottled up on the east side of the ground for most of the third term. It yielded only a slight win in the quarter for Kilmore – 1.5 to 1.2.
The Blues missed some gettable shots and could have been further in front than 10 points at the last change.
At three-quarter time, new Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins urged his team to wheel and go when they had the ball. Holding well to their coach’s instructions, the last term became a high scoring and crowd-pleasing affair.
After a third term which produced only two late goals, the final stanza saw eight majors scored in a seesawing display.
The Power dominated the early going. A goal to Jacob Lawson drew them within a goal. Later, Jacson Cecil kicked two in a minute to establish a nine-point break This looked to be enough of a lead with the wind behind them.
But Kilmore replied with three majors in quick time. A goal to Matthew Swindells had the visitors nine points up.
Cecil booted his fourth goal with five minutes left on the clock, then the game became a tough contest. Kilmore held a slender lead, but Thompson broke free and kicked truly in the final minute of the game to kick the sealer.
“I’m proud of the way we came out in the second half and got it together,” Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins said.
He was pleased with the work of Thompson as well as fellow captain Luke Wilson and recruit Mitch Lucas, who was solid in defence.
Josh Williamson missed the latter part of the 2019 season and chipped in with three goals upon his return to football.
Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips lamented his side’s inability to manage the game in the dying stages.
He was happy, however, that Caden Fitzpatrick and Michael McCulloch were able to hold their own against Josh Leather in the ruck. Leather had dominated in previous clashes between the teams.
“We don’t accept the loss, but we’ll learn a lot from it”, Phillips said.
He was pleased with the work of recruit Chris Jackson in the midfield and Kieran Moran down back, while defender Daniel Matthew was a clear best on ground.
The Blues lost players to injury in numerical order – with Peter de Sousa (number 1) going off early and then Thomas McMillan (number 2) unable to continue after an injury in the third quarter.
Kilmore looks forward to hosting Lalor at J. J. Clancy Reserve next Saturday. Laurimar has back-to-back home games and Reservoir will make the trip to Laurimar Reserve for a Round 2 clash.
Final score: Laurimar 10.7 (67) def Kilmore 9.9 (63)
LAURIMAR
Goal Kickers: J. Cecil 4, J. Williamson 3, M. Thompson, M. Higgins, J. Lawson
Best Players: B. Lambert, J. Coco, A. Jackson, H. Mooney, J. Cecil, M. Lucas
KILMORE
Goal Kickers: L. Chapman 2, M. Webb 2, M. McCulloch, C. Barton, M. Swindells, N. Zaharakis, L. Irons
Best Players: D. Matthew, K. Moran, C. Jackson, C. Fitzpatrick, C. Barton, C. Ryall
