THE Kilmore women’s team took a step up on the ladder on Sunday when Panton Hill took them on at AE Cracknell Reserve.
It was a dry oval, and another icy day—too cold for rain. Kilmore Coach Andy Stewart had a bounty of players to select from, and some favourites took their turn on the bench.
Early in the game, vice-captain Jenaya Stewart incurred a knee injury making room for newcomer Emily Gipp to debut for the Blues having come from Airport West’s division one team.
Sienna Shinners resumed play with Kilmore, this time at the senior level and brought her skill set from the Calder Cannons Talent League.
An even start saw the scores level at the first change, with both teams kicking one goal apiece.
Panton Hill was no match for the Blues in the second term, powering away and leading 33-6 to finish their first half.
Another fine quarter from Kilmore showed just why they are one of the premiership contenders in division two—the opposition was strong and fair, but Kilmore had the speed and the momentum and going into the final change led by 39 points, 45-6.
The Redbacks could not find the answer to stop Kilmore, and with Brielle Kinnear, Chiara Nardo and Shazi Cappello too fast, earning them a mention in the top six players, Kilmore claimed victory, 10.4 (64) to 1.0 (6).
Jessica Vilinskis was quick on her feet and found herself with time to make weighty disposals and Shinners and Gipp were also named in the best.
Kilmore is second on the ladder and next week, take on top team Lower Plenty at JJ Clancy Reserve in a blockbuster clash.
Elsewhere, Wallan were no match for Diamond Creek Womens 2 at Greenhill Reserve in a result which has left them with a mountain to climb for a division three finals berth.
Scores were level at the opening change, but Diamond Creek made their move in the second term, kicking two goals to no score to open up a 12-point lead by half time.
Wallan was unable to find a goal throughout the afternoon as Diamond Creek continued on its merry way, kicking a further two goals to one behind in the second half to win 4.3 (27) to 0.1 (1).
No best players were named for Wallan at the time of production.