Laurimar debutant Billy Lambert best-on-ground after losing father

Laurimar holds on for a stirring win over NFL Division 3 rival Kilmore, inspired by Billy Lambert’s best-on-ground performance after losing his father and Power founder Trevor.

Jacob Lawson in action for Laurimar. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Laurimar youngster Billy Lambert produced a best-on-ground performance on Saturday just days after his losing his father to cancer.

In his first senior game for the Power, a club his dad Trevor helped found in 2011, Lambert inspired his team to a thrilling come-from-behind four-point victory over NFL Division 3 rival Kilmore.

Trailing late in the final term, Mitch Thompson kicked the winning goal to secure the 10.7 (67) to 9.9 (63) win at Laurimar Reserve.

Power coach Jimmy Atkins – in his first game in charge – paid tribute to his young charge.

“It was a terrific effort for him just to play,” Atkins said.

“Billy was one the original under-9s that started with the club and has come all the way through the junior ranks to make his senior debut.

Mark Mura in action for Laurimar. Picture: David Crosling

“He’s isn’t the biggest bloke out on the field but doesn’t take a backward step and I know the whole club was behind him (on Saturday).”

Lambert was one of four debutants who started in the under-9s as Jimmy Apted, Harry Mooney and Kaiden Arthur also earnt their first senior cap.

In a tough match, playing in tough conditions, Kilmore jumped out to an early lead, holding a 15-point margin at quarter-time.

However, the Power slowly worked their way back into the match, reducing the deficit to just seven points at half-time and 10 points at the final change.

Having kicked only five goals all day, Laurimar piled on five majors in a stunning fourth quarter outburst to hit the front.

However, Kilmore hit back and looked on track for an upset win only for Power captain Thompson to step up and drag his team over the line.

“Credit to Kilmore they played a really strong game,” Atkins said.

“The wind was swirling around but Mitch was able to finish under pressure and then we managed to hold on. One of our young guys took a mark and was holding the ball when the siren went.

“After missing last year to come out and perform the way we did was really pleasing.”

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Jacson Cecil, the first player in Laurimar history to play 50 senior games, kicked four goals to mark the milestone, while Josh Williamson booted three.

Jarod Coco impressed in his debut after crossing from Whittlesea, while fellow recruit Alisdair Jackson and Power junior Harrison Mooney were also among the best.

Kilmore was best served by Daniel Matthew, Kieran Moran and Chris Jackson in his return to the club from Seymour. Marcus Webb and Luke Chapman both kicked two goals.

Laurimar will look to keep the winning form going against Reservoir in Round 2, while Kilmore hosts Lalor.