Tara Murray
It’s been more than 1000 days in the making, but Lalor is finally back on the winners list in the Northern Football League division 3 competition.
There were plenty of nerves late in the Bloods match with Kilmore and that soon turned to celebrations for the Bloods as the final siren went.
The win didn’t come easy and it went down to the final siren with the Bloods winning, 8.11 (59)-8.8 (56).
Bloods coach Lance Whitnall said it was a massive day for the club.
“It was really amazing for the footy club,” he said. “It was awesome for the whole club, it’s been tough for the last few years.
“The last three years haven’t had any wins or success on the field. “
Whitnall, who has come back to the club this year, said there were plenty of nerves in the dying minutes of the game.
Not much separated the two teams all day, with scores level at the final break despite the Bloods having had five more scoring shots.
“Both sides fought hard,” Whitnall said. “We just fought harder and got the four points.
“My voice went on me. There were some anxious moments when they had shots to go in front in the last quarter.”
Scott Morrison kicked three goals for the Bloods, while Sam Rexhepi kicked two goals.
Zac Orr, Hayden Hunt and Nathan Parkes were named their best.
Whitnall said the win world give them confidence.
“We’ve been competitive but fallen away in the last quarter,” he said. “At three quarter time against Epping and Fitzroy Stars we were in a good position to have a close loss or a good win and we didn’t get either.
“We’ve been competitive and held out won and this gives us some belief.”
Whitnall said a lot of work had been done in the off season to get them into the position they are now.
The Bloods this week face the Old Eltham Collegians.
“The boys are up for the challenge,” Whitnall said.
In other results, Epping beat Kinglake, Old Paradians remain undefeated after beating Fitzroy Stars and Mernda was too strong for Reservoir.
In division 1, Bundoora had a big loss to Greensborough, while in division 2, South Morang beat Thomastown, Whittlesea was too good for Watsonia, while Laurimar lost to Diamond Creek.
