Laurimar claims come-from-behind win over premiership contender Kilmore

Laurimar got an early taste of finals against a premiership rival with a midfield move helping spark a thrilling come-from-behind win.

Laurimar’s Jake Richards looks to put his team on the attack. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Laurimar got an early taste of NFL Division 3 finals on Saturday.

The Power claimed a nail-biting come-from-behind two-point win over fourth-placed Kilmore in a tough, uncompromising clash at Laurimar Reserve.

Having been held to just two goals in three quarter and trailing by seven points at the final change, the home side finally kicked into gear – booting three goals to sneak home.

Matt Gersh was the hero, kicking the winning goal after drawing a high-contact free kick, and the Power held on for the final two minutes to win 5.9 (39) to 5.7 (37).

Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins credited a midfield move for helping turn the game.

Josh Campbell in action for Laurimar. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It was a standard Kilmore game to be honest, it’s getting ridiculous, but happy to get over the line and we were lucky in the end,” he said.

“We were sort of gone and out but our last quarter effort and intensity really lifted and a couple of late shots got us across the line.

“We changed some things around, we threw Jake Richards into the middle of the ground and he gives effort and intensity all the time and helped swing the game our way.”

It sets up a minor premiership decider this week against South Morang.

“That will be a ripping game, they got us pretty easily at their ground at couple of weeks ago so we’re looking forward to the challenge,” Atkins said.

In a dour struggle in muddy conditions, scored were locked a 2.5 (17) apiece at half-time.

Kicking against the wind, Kilmore managed to hold Laurimar scoreless and add 1.1 themselves but couldn’t hold on in a frantic final term.

Richards was best-on-ground thanks to a dominant final term, Ethan Bateman continued his fine form in the ruck and Kaiden Arthur and Al Jackson also impressed.

Will Jacovou booted two goals, while competition leading goalkicker Jacson Cecil went goalless but still leads Heidelberg West’s Alex Hywood by 22 majors.

Bateman has shouldered the ruck work for much of the year with Josh Leather making his return on Saturday after a nine-week absence.

Alisdair Jackson in action for Laurimar. Picture: Hamish Blair

“Jake’s effort is amazing, his tackling pressure, defensive pressure and he gave us a lot of drive,” Atkins said.

“He played like a bloke that wanted to get his team across the line and cement a top-two spot, it was a good leadership game.

“Ethan and Josh got on top in the ruck and we were able to keep it in our forward line for most of the (fourth) quarter, which helps.

“That was Josh’s (Leather) first game back in a long time … he put himself into the ruck in the first quarter and really stood up.

“And this is Ethan’s first year of senior footy and not playing for a few years, so he’s getting better and better every week.”

Laurimar has had a mixed bag when it comes to close losses this season.

The Power has won three games under 10 points – a pair of two-point wins of Kilmore and an eight-point triumph over Heidelberg West – while dropping two games to Old Eltham Collegians by two points and one point.

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Atkins said the experience would serve his team well come finals time.

“It does give you confidence to know that if we are down we don’t give up, we’re having a crack right to the end,” he said.

“It would be good to win those games a bit easier but that’s what top-four games should be like.”

Laurimar faces South Morang in a minor premiership decider at Mill Park Lakes Reserve on Saturday, while Kilmore will look to bounce back when it hosts third-placed Old Eltham Collegians.