Kilmore Seniors travelled to the picturesque Garvey Oval at Bundoora to play the Old Paradians on Saturday; it was a match the Blues will never forget.
The contest was fierce in the first quarter, with neither side giving an inch under the stormy dark rain clouds. It was a low scoring term, with Kilmore finishing in front by only three points when the siren sounded, 0.3 to 0.
In the thrilling second term, Kilmore goaled early, and even led until the 11-minute mark. Four of their hard-won goals sailed through and six for the home side. It was nippy to say the least and every point counted, unfortunately the visitors increased their lead and Kilmore trailed by 20 points at half time. 4.6 (30) to 6.14 (50).
After the break, the Kilmore side changed their players positions, and although their experienced players encouraged their side, the home side quickly scored the first goal, and then they conceded only one point to Kilmore, and edged closer to a victory when they kicked three back-to-back goals. The Kilmore player changes weren’t enough, and they trailed by demoralising 49 points at the siren. 4.8 (32) to 11.15 (81).
In the final quarter the home side kicked a goal in under a minute, and yet it was a low scoring quarter with defeat written all over it for Kilmore. When the final siren sounded, the game ended in favour of the home side, 11.15 (81) to 4.8 (32).
Kilmore last played the Old Paradians at Round 7, at the JJ Clancy Reserve, and they were the winners by 26 points, however the clear winners on Saturday were the Old Paradians by 56 points.
Kilmore Coach Paul Derrick said the Old Paradians played better, and despite making player changes Kilmore fell away in the final term.
“While still in the game at 3 quarter time, we threw the magnets around as we needed to win, not have a close loss. Unfortunately, our execution with the footy was poor all day and we paid the price, against quality opposition,” he said.
Next week Kilmore hosts Heidelberg West, incidentally, when they played against each other in Round 7 Kilmore won by 33 points. Derrick is looking forward to the match.
“[We] will look to get back to our best next week,” he said.
Best players for Kilmore – Kye Maher, Mick Marrett, Bradley Deed, Grant Paxton, Brian Lawrence, and Joe Barry.
Goal Kickers – Bailey Tayor-Egan, Liam Monagham, Brian Lawrence, and Emmett Clark with one each.
Around the chilly grounds – Lalor was clearly defeated by the Fitzroy Stars 12.8 (80) to 18.11 (119), and Heidelberg West defeated Reservoir, 15.9 (99) to 12.11 (83). The Old Eltham Collegians defeated Epping, 10.9 (69) to 7.8 (50), and Kinglake only just defeated Mernda 9.11 (65) to 9.7 (61).
