It was a tough matchup for Kilmore’s women on Sunday when Ivanhoe came to town, going down by 19 points in a low-scoring contest.
Coming off two impressive performances to start the season, the Blues were looking to take a big scalp against the Ivies who had only given up one goal from their first couple of outings.
A tight first quarter saw no goals for either team but plenty of positive signs for the home side that they could compete with the ladder leaders.
The ball became locked in Ivanhoe’s front half for the majority of the second term but ferocious defensive efforts from the likes of Alexis Knight and Zahra Kelly kept the scoring in check.
The visitors finally broke through with two majors just before half-time, but the Blues’ Chloe Talbot kicked the first of the third term to keep Kilmore in touching distance.
A third to the league’s leading goal kicker Georgia Pirdis gave Ivanhoe the breathing room they wanted, and another goalless quarter in the last meant Kilmore suffered their first loss of the year.
The 30-11 scoreline when the final siren sounded was a reflection of a hard-fought game, and coach Andy Stewart would be buoyed by his team’s efforts against a side that looks likely to compete for the flag.
The Blues will play their next game at home against Reservoir who sit just behind them on the ladder in what should be another tight battle.