By Colin MacGillivray
KILMORE relished the return of Northern Football Netball League action at the weekend, with a historic under 19 night game on Friday night followed by a huge win for the seniors on Saturday.
The club’s under 19s played the first night game for premiership points in Kilmore’s history, against Diamond Creek on Friday, gutting out a 2.8 (20) to 2.4 (16) win in sodden conditions.
Despite the terrible weather, Kilmore president Paul Maher said a big crowd turned out to watch the match.
“Although conditions were quite ordinary with the wet and cold, I was absolutely blown away with the turnout under lights,” he said.
“The eastern side of the ground was basically filled with cars. Due to COVID restrictions we could only allow 50 people in the club rooms, but the undercover area in front of the change rooms and also the junior canteen were filled with supporters standing out in the weather.”
The senior Blues backed up the performance with a 20.25 (145) to 3.1 (19) win against Reservoir on Saturday, with only inaccuracy in front of goals preventing Kilmore from recording an even bigger total.
Luke Chapman booted four goals for Kilmore, while Leigh Irons was a standout in the middle.
Caden Fitzpatrick and Chris Barton, with two goals apiece, were also among the best for the Blues.
Maher said the game had been a success after being transferred from Reservoir during the week to allow supporters to attend due to State Government COVID-19 restrictions on crowds at metropolitan grounds.
He said Kilmore split takings from the gate, canteen and bar with Reservoir in what he described as ‘a win-win’ for both clubs.
“It worked really well, and I’d like to thank the Reservoir committee for their work,” he said.
“I’d also like to thank the supporters and spectators in attendance for complying with the COVID restrictions and not making any issues when we had to turn people away from the rooms.”
Maher said Kilmore, scheduled to play an away game against Heidelberg West on Saturday, would offer to host the game again if Victoria’s restrictions were not eased during the week.
“Depending on what happens with restrictions, hopefully they can have a crowd at home, but if not we’ll make the same offer to transfer the game and see what their thoughts are,” he said.
“There’s certainly no pressure on Heidelberg West to transfer the game if they want to play on their home ground. We understand that and we’re respectful of that. We’re just happy to be playing football again.”
In other division three games Laurimar was too strong for Heidelberg West, winning 11.15 (81) to 6.4 (40) at home, and Mernda fell short against Old Eltham Collegians, losing 8.7 (55) to 5.5 (35).
The Power will play Lalor in a road game on Saturday, while Mernda will host top side South Morang.
In division one, Whittlesea was unable to best Heidelberg, losing 11.5 (71) to 5.5 (35).
The COVID-19 lockdown and subsequent restrictions came at an inopportune time for the Eagles, who missed matches against winless Northcote Park and eighth-placed Hurstbridge.
They will host Bundoora on Saturday as they search for their second win of the year.
