The Kilmore Seniors hosted Lalor for a redemption match on the weekend, and it proved to be a surprising game with lots of spectators keeping warm in their cars, and a dominant third quarter from Kilmore.
It was a fast and promising start with both sides quickly scoring goals. One of Kilmore’s father-son players, Liam Monaghan, surprised the opposition with a vital goal near the 19-minute mark and Liam Salter’s from the 50 metre mark had the crowd roaring. Kilmore were up by 16 points in a winning first term, 23 to 7.
Even in cold and wet conditions for the second term, Kilmore challenged the opposition, who scored an early goal before a determined Kilmore Captain Mick Marrett kicked the ball firmly into the chest of Ben Schraven who quickly goaled to give Kilmore a boost. At the next centre bounce, Kilmore’s midfield engine was running hot and Schraven found another tidy possession.
He was fast and accurate with his disposal to Grant Paxton, and he quickly posted another for Kilmore. Bayley Taylor-Egan got his first for the game, and near the 20-minute mark, returning from the bench, Schraven picked up possession and found a good option in Vice Captain Chris Barton, who without delay, kicked a fist-pumping goal to finish, 50 to 13.
The third quarter had it all with free kicks, shoving, and a yellow card.
Even in heavy rain, the game was fast and edgy. Ethan Derrick’s kick from a difficult angle was something to behold, and it was Schraven’s next, and 35 metres out his rolled through and went untouched by four tired defenders. The sparks flew when the umpire issued a yellow card to their very frustrated full forward, Sam Rexhepi. To the home team’s credit, the league’s leading goal kicker was suitably contained. Bailey Taylor-Egan took a strong mark 45 metres out and on the run, kicked another goal for his team. Then Lalor kicked three of their own, but it wasn’t enough and going into the final term, Lalor had a lot of work to do. 82 to 19.
Kilmore did not back off, and there was a feisty and reliable ruck from Joshua Coe and a snappy goal 18 seconds into the last term. Superstar Ethan Derrick kicked his second goal before Monaghan kicked his, and the one that cemented a 100-point lead, and still Kilmore played on.
Young Jack Beatie kicked a goal, and following a free kick going the homeside’s way, Brian Lawrence added his name to the goal scorers list. The contest was still going strong with Kilmore kicking three points in a row until finally, Schraven’s spectacularly marked at the back of the pack and added to his three-goal blitz.
The final score was 18.14 (122) to 5.2 (32), in Kilmore’s favour.
Kilmore have won three massive games in a row, and sit seventh on the ladder above Old Eltham Collegians. Kilmore coach Paul Derrick praised the senior team and said it was a pleasing win.
“Great win today in tough conditions. From [the] start to [the] finish we played our way; brave and unrelenting. The Mids were great all day dominating stoppages, and pressure up forward was great,” he said.
Derrick said he was pleased with the third quarter.
“To really step it up on the scoreboard after halftime was pleasing, and the ability of our defenders to structure up to make it hard for Lalor to score was fantastic, [we are] looking forward to some big challenges after the bye,” he said.
Best players for Kilmore were Chris Barton, Grant Paxton, Benjamin Barton, Joshua Coe, Bailey Derrick, and Kye Maher.
Goal kickers were Ben Schraven 4, Bailey Taylor-Egan 3, Ethan Derrick, Liam Monaghan, Liam Salter, and Chris Barton two each, and Jake Beattie, Grant Paxton, and Brian Lawrence on one each.
Around the grounds, Epping defeated Mernda 14.9 (93) to 7.6 (48), and Heidelberg West were defeated by the Old Paradians, 3.7 (25) to 14.11 (95). Ivanhoe defeated Reservoir, 10.13 (73) to 9.12 (66), and Old Eltham Collegians were defeated by Kinglake 8.7 (55) to 7.8 (50).
