Laurimar plays ‘first real four-quarter effort’ to beat South Morang

Laurimar has taken bragging rights in the first of three clashes against NFL Division 3 premiership rival South Morang as a midfield gun shines.

Luke Wilson in action for Laurimar. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Laurimar has surged into NFL Division 3 premiership favouritism with a convincing 19-point win over South Morang.

A dominant second quarter was enough to propel the Power to victory and leap-frog the Lions on the ladder for the first time this season.

South Morang regained several key players for the blockbuster clash but lacked its normal attacking flair, blanketed by Laurimar’s swarming defence.

Midfielder Matt Gersh shone with four goals in the 14.16 (100) to 12.9 (81) win at Laurimar Reserve.

Power coach Jimmy Atkins praised his teams “first real four-quarter effort for the year”.

“I was pretty proud of the way we played footy,” he said.

Jarod Coco bursts out of the middle for Laurimar. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“We pride ourselves on winning at home, no matter who it’s against, so we played a really good brand of footy.

“We were able to gain a bit of momentum in the second quarter and got out to a three or four goal lead.

“It never really felt like we had control of the game that’s for sure, they kept coming, and even in the last quarter they were able to wrestle the margin back.

“It was very pleasing for us that we could get a goal when it mattered or someone would stand up at a big time to keep that lead.”

The result sees Laurimar remain level with ladder-leader Kilmore and Old Eltham Collegians, while South Morang is a game back in fourth.

The top four sides have barely been separated this season with an intense finals battle looming.

Atkins knows Saturday’s win will be critical in his team’s premiership ambitions.

“You look at the way the ladder is shaping up, it’s a very important win,” he said.

Ethan Frawley in action for Laurimar. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“Every win against a top-four side matters, so if you want a top-two spot you’ve got to make the most of your opportunities, especially at home.

“We play each other three times, so to win two and maybe drop one, that’s the minimum you can do.

“It definitely matters, we just don’t know how much it matters at the moment.”

After illness swept through the club last week, South Morang regained several key players, including Liam Failla, Aaron Lazaric and Nathan Stefanile.

The Lions took a one-point lead after a tight first quarter but Laurimar broke the game open in the second term with six goals to three to secure a 19-point half-time margin.

The Power extended the lead at three-quarter-time to 27-points and snuffed out any South Morang comeback attempt in the fourth term.

In the absence of Power skipper Mitch Thompson (hamstring), Gersh stood tall in midfield.

The star onballer was dominant through the middle and hit the scoreboard, while Jacob Lawson, Kaiden Arthur and Jarod Coco also impressed.

“Matty broke the game apart with his speed, which helped us move the ball forward,” Atkins said.

“He did have a rotation forward but he played most of the game in the midfield, he broke the lines and kicked most of his goals from midfield.

“He’s definitely capable of being Team of the Year, in our team he’s highly respected and a leader of our club and stands up when it matters.

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“Kaiden’s a young fella, he’s consistent every week but his second half was exceptional.

“He played on the wing and was very influential in us going forward, particularly the last quarter he stood up very well.”

Bailey Brown was outstanding in defeat for the Lions, while Ben Peterson booted four majors and Mitch Kalpakis and Max Hayes continued their outstanding campaigns.

Laurimar will look for a percentage-boosting win when it takes on bottom-placed Lalor on Saturday, while South Morang hosts Old Eltham in a huge match for both clubs’ ambitions.