By Jackson Russell
KILMORE was unsuccessful in its first game of the Northern Football Netball League season, suffering a six-point loss to South Morang at home on Saturday.
The Blues controlled the majority of the match, leading at every break before a 4.1.25 final term from the Lions saw the visitors snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Kilmore opened up a 16-point lead at quarter time, which was slowly whittled away by South Morang.
A 3.1.19 to 3.4.22 second term closed the margin for South Morang to 13 points.
The Blues were held to just 1.3.9 as the Lions kicked 2.3.15 to bring the lead to within just a couple of kicks at three quarter time.
South Morang’s Alex Colaidis matched Skidmore with four goals of his own.
Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said it was a disappointing result after leading for three quarters.
“We probably didn’t make the most of our opportunities early in the game and turned the footy over and made poor decisions at crucial times,” he said.
“Credit to the boys to fight back and reduce it a goal. Hopefully we learn from it and don’t let it happen again.”
Shane Skidmore led the Blues with four goals despite being rocked by a hard hit in the third term while Chris Ryall was best on for Kilmore with his two-goal performance.
“We know we’re going to get a fair bit out of Shane no matter where we’ll play him. He played up forward quite a bit and can play across half back,” Phillips said.
“He’s playing senior footy now so he’s going to cop a bit of attention and he dealt with it really well yesterday.
“Chris was sensational across half back. He had plenty of the footy and gave us a lot of drive out of defence.
“We’ll bounce back next week, we’ve got another tough game against Mernda down there. As long as we play with a bit of intent and a but of pressure, we should come away with a win.”
Kilmore 10.6.66 def by South Morang 10.12.72
KILMORE
Goal Kickers: S. Skidmore 4, R. McLaughlin 2, C. Ryall 2, B. Cooney, S. Swindells.
Best Players: C. Ryall, S. Skidmore, S. McIntyre, L. Irons, L. Chapman, D. Matthew
SOUTH MORANG
Goal Kickers: A. Colaidis 4, L. Shelton 2, N. Tassell, M. Robinson, J. Hewson, R. Hopkins.
Best Players: B. Muscat, A. Colaidis, T. Hall, B. Brown, J. Hewson, L. Shelton
