Laurimar remains undefeated in 2019 after an impressive 36-point win over Kilmore at Laurimar Reserve.
The Power jumped out of the blocks with two goals in as many minutes and were never headed in the 14.4 (88) to 7.10 (52) result.
In fact, Laurimar booted the first major of each quarter and the Blues were continually playing catch-up.
The teams competed evenly through most facets of the game, but Laurimar’s ball handing and execution was cleaner.
And then there was Josh Williamson. Williamson was the stand-out forward on the day with six goals. His team gave him plenty of room inside 50m and he cashed in on some good delivery.
His four first-half goals were the difference at the main break – with the Power leading by 21 points. Kilmore kept persisting but never got close enough after that to threaten.
The only other multiple goal kicker on the day was Laurimar’s Luke Wilson and his two goals were a highlight.
The first was a snap from 30 metres out in heavy traffic which sailed right through. His other goal came from a strong intercept mark and a long kick from outside 50. It was the first major of the final term and it snuffed out whatever little chance the Blues had.
From then on –with the Power 39 points up – they played tempo football and reduced the chance for Kilmore to get a run on.
Laurimar’s settled defence was led by Bryce Kotas and did a great job. Kotas also snuck forward to kick his team’s final goal of the game to cap off a great day.
Kotas was ably assisted by Grant Sampson down back. Mitchell Thompson accumulated possessions and hit targets through the midfield.
Laurimar’s forwards had their kicking boots on – with a return of 14 goals from 18 shots.
The win keeps the Power them a game clear of Heidelberg West – also undefeated with a game in hand.
“We all contributed well,” a pleased Laurimar coach Justin Sherman said.
Grant Paxton and Stephen McIntyre stood out in defence for Kilmore. Chris Ryall – moved to a more midfield role after half time – excelled and snapped a great goal in the third term to keep his team in touch.
Leigh Irons was his usual busy self, playing as an inside mid, while Ben Cooney played his best game for the year.
The second term was a critical period of the game. The busy Jake Richards booted a goal to give Laurimar a 28-point lead midway through the term.
From that point on, the Blues dominated. Jaxson Kinnear took a strong mark and kicked truly. But from then on in the term, his team could not manufacture a goal – through good defence by Laurimar as well as missed opportunities by Kinnear’s teammates.
“We were not that far off, but we made bad decisions at crucial times,” Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said.
Unfortunately for the Blues, a win by South Morang put them out of the top-four.
The good news for Kilmore is that the Lions having the bye next week. The Blues will go straight back into the four if they can win. To do this, they will need to overcome Lalor at Lalor Reserve.
Laurimar travels to Crispe Park to take on Reservoir in Round 7, with the Mustangs coming off the bye.
Final score: Laurimar 14.4 (88) def Kilmore 7.10 (52)
LAURIMAR
Goal Kickers: J. Williamson 6, L. Wilson 2, N. Murray, J. Richards, B. Kotas, B. Gardiner, J. Lawson, A. Phillips
Best Players: J. Williamson, B. Kotas, L. Wilson, M. Thompson, G. Sampson, W. Ratje
KILMORE
Goal Kickers: J. Kinnear, J. Topham, M. McCulloch, N. Zaharakis, M. Swindells, C. Ryall, S. Skidmore
Best Players: G. Paxton, S. McIntyre, L. Irons, C. Ryall, B. Cooney, L. Chapman
