A YOUTHFUL Kilmore outfit was no match for a high-flying Mernda after quarter time in the Northern Football Netball League division three competition on Saturday at Waterview Recreation Reserve, losing by 57 points.
The Blues got off to a good start in the opening term after conceding the opening goal of the afternoon through Mernda’s 300-gamer Brent Marshall, quietening the expectant crowd with goals through Liam Salter and Chris Barton to hit the front, before another goal to Katlan Cook meant they led 20-11 at the first change.
However, Mernda started making a big charge in the second term, and seven goals in 16 minutes meant the momentum completely swung the Demons’ way, and the Blues found it difficult to respond.
Cook kept the Blues interested with his second goal of the afternoon, but it was the only goal of the term as the Blues now trailed 28-57 at the long break.
The Demons continued on their good form after the break, but Kilmore continued to maintain an interest with back-to-back goals through Lachlan Peggie and debutant Lucas Chesswas to keep the margin at 28 points.
However, three of the last four goals meant Mernda carried a 43-point lead going into the final change, leading 92-49.
The game as a contest was effectively done and dusted when the Demons added the first three goals of the final term to increase the lead to 61 points, but the Blues were still hopeful of finishing off the game with a flurry, and managed to add three goals through Emmett Clark, Josh Coe and Jared Crosbie, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide, with Mernda winning 18.20 (128) to 10.11 (71).
Barton led the way strongly, while Liam Salter was another who performed admirably. Marcus Lacorcia, Chesswas, Max Lehner and Mason Lacorcia were also named in the best.
The result leaves Kilmore in eighth, but it now has an opportunity to bounce back against the winless Lalor at JJ Clancy Reserve next week.
