Laurimar claimed an important 19-point win over fellow premiership hopeful South Morang in an entertaining game of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 football.
The Power surged to the lead midway through the second term, kicking six goals in the quarter, before maintaining the advantage for the rest of the afternoon to ensure the 14.16 (100) to 12.9 (81) win.
“I was proud of the way we played, it was good, smart footy,” said Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins.
“We held the momentum and wrestled back that momentum when were challenged.”
Jacob Dawson was lively on a wing, while Jarod Coco got plenty of it through the midfield. The Power defence came under pressure many times throughout the game but thanks to the efforts of James Apted and Jake Richards, they did enough to hold South Morang to a losing score.
The final quarter highlighted the best of both teams, but the Power’s 27-point three quarter lead meant they were going to take some stopping.
However the Lions weren’t going to give in without a fight. The visitors had booted three consecutive goals in the third quarter, and they did so again in the last.
Both mini-surges reduced the margin to about two goals and when Ben Peterson slotted his fourth major for the day just after the mid-point of the last term, the deficit had been reduced to just ten points and an unlikely comeback win looked possible.
But Laurimar were able to respond with back-to-back goals of their own to put the result beyond any doubt.
Fittingly, the two goals to slam the door shut in the final stanza were kicked by Kaiden Arthur and Matthew Gersh.
As well as kicking the goal, Arthur had an outstanding final term with important possessions and impressive defensive work. Gersh was prolific through the midfield and booted three majors in the second term.
“The Laurimar players ran harder and worked harder than us,” said South Morang coach Gary Hall.
Hall was impressed by the work of Bailey Brown in the midfield and well as Mitch Kalpakis across the half forward line.
Max Hayes continues to do well on the wing for the Lions and James Hewson was lively across the half forward line.
The loss drops the Lions from first to fourth in one fell swoop. But, as they are a mere four points behind the top three teams, a top two finish would still be the aim.
Laurimar also dropped from second to third on the table despite the win due to both Kilmore and Old Eltham Collegians recording large wins over Lalor and Reservoir.
Another challenge faces South Morang in next week when they return home to Mill Park Lakes Reserve to take on Old Eltham Collegians, the Turtles playing the Lions for the first time as the higher placed team.
Laurimar will aim to consolidate a spot near the top of the table when travelling to Lalor Reserve to take on the winless Bloods side.
