In rainy conditions Kilmore lost to Laurimar Power in a competitive game 3.10 (28) to 6.13 (49).
It was tough scoring for the Blues who struggled to convert inside 50.
Kilmore were scoreless in the first and then headed into halftime with five points on the board, while Laurimar were 18 heading into the half.
Kilmore coach Paul Derrick said it was the missed scoring shots that hurt the side.
“It was a good tough contest and we played really well,” he said.
“Early on in the first half we had five gettable goals and we missed them all which hurt us in the end. Apart from that the game was really even.
“They took a couple of chances getting about four of their goals from free kicks but it was our fault. It was just moments in game that hurt us again.”
Impressive defensive efforts from Kilmore kept Laurimar to two goals for the first half and goalless in the second quarter.
It was the final quarter where Kilmore got some momentum on the scoreboard, with efforts in the forward 50 finally converting as they kicked three goals with 22-points for the quarter, outscoring the Power.
Derrick said the fourth quarter was how they wanted to play for all four quarters.
“The side take on the game really well, they use the footy really well. We’ve just got to get a consistent four quarters,” he said.
“To me it was a pretty good fourth quarter effort. It was just missing easy shots and a few moments in there where we gave away silly free kicks that hurt us in the end.”
Even with a downpour in the third that sent many spectators running for their cars, the Blues adjusted to the conditions.
“I thought we handled it really well. Conditions like that will always be a challenge for the young blokes, it makes it tougher and harder, but they always keep stepping up which is great. I thought we used the ball a lot better than we had been,” Derrick said.
Michael Marrett had a good day for the Blues, while Liam Monaghan played well in his first game playing in the middle.
The Blues backline also had a strong game.
“We were good across the board. To pick a bad player would be hard but we just didn’t finish off our work which hurt us,” Derrick said.
Last time the two sides played each other was round one, with Laurimar defeating Kilmore by 70 points.
“It’s an improvement. We’re happy to improve but we want to be winning,” Derrick said.
On Saturday the Blues head to Kinglake with the side’s confidence growing weekly.
“They’re growing in confidence because even though we’re not winning, they know the way we’re playing is working we’ve just got to finish of the week,” he said.
“Going into next week it’ll be tough but we’ve got no fears. We’ll go up there and give it a crack.”
In division one of the Northern Football and Netball League Whittlesea lost to Montmorency 2.8 (20) to 10.13 (73).
Some of the best players for Whittlesea were Jay Allen, Keidan Treacy and Blake Watson.
