Kilmore hosted Epping at the JJ Clancy Reserve for round five of the Northern Football Netball League (NFNL) on Saturday.
The match was played in full sun in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The toss saw Kilmore earn the wind advantage for the second and final terms.
Kilmore were quick to put the first score on the board, then Epping replied with two of their own. Kilmore ruck recruit Joshua Coe faired well against his equally tall foe but on the ground, Epping had momentum.
In the second term, Epping made clever space around the ground and took many uncontested marks and disposals. Quicker at playing on, they shrugged Kilmore’s grip and going into the third term led 5.3 to 8.5. Epping belted Kilmore in the third term, 5.4 to 10.10.
However, an exciting final saw Kilmore find their stride, and the backline was especially stronger.They even hampered Epping’s aim for a goal. Ethan Derrick took the kick out and the crowd loved his good old fashioned torpe. Longer kicks changed Kilmore’s opportunities and at the end all that mattered was Bailey Derrick’s strong, hard kick to Ben Schraven converted into a goal.
Creeping back onto the scoreboard there was promise in the air after a scuffle broke out in Kilmore’s forward 50 and Epping coughed up a free kick. The win for Kilmore was just nine points away. Epping used their center bounce to stall the ball at their end. Slowing down the play had been a tactic employed throughout their game to keep possession.
Although it could have been anyone’s game, given its final thrilling quarter, Epping notched up the nine-point win with 9.9 (63) to 10.12 (72).
“It’s a bit disappointing we went back into our shells and when we finally got up and about it was too late,” Kilmore’s Senior Coach Paul Derrick said.
Mark Perrott on OKRFM Radio said that Epping had faster legs and loose players.
“Epping stunned Kilmore in the first quarter,” Perrott said.
Kilmore should be pleased with their game. Last week they lost to the Fitzroy Stars by 60 points where Epping won theirs against Heidelberg West by 16.2.
Goals were scored by Ethan Derrick (4) and Bailey Taylor-Egan, Liam Monaghan, Jake Beattie, Chris Barton and Ben Schraven contributed with one each.
Best on ground for Kilmore were Adam Milne, Marcus Lacorica, Jake Beattie, Bailey Taylor-Egan, Mick Marrett, and Bradley Deed.
Also in round six, Mernda 14.7 (91) took care of visitors Kinglake 6.6 (42) in Saturday’s game.
Best for Mernda were Dayne Kellett, Nathan Baccega, Bryce Kimuliatis, Riley Vincent, Lachlan Taylor, and Joel Harris.
Kilmore travels to Heidelberg West for round seven on May 18 at 2.10 pm on The Heidelberg Cricket Ground.
