By Tara Murray
Laurimar’s tough run has continued, and the Power is going to have to do it the hard way if they’re to make the Northern Football League division 3 grand final.
Having dropped two of their previous three matches, the Power was hoping to have a return to form against Panton Hill on Saturday. Panton Hill won a low-scoring game, 6.12 (48)-5.10 (40).
Power coach Justin Sherman said was really proud of how the group played.
He said the players who had stepped up in the absence of some more senior players, had done their roles.
“We played a couple of 16-year-olds, who made their debuts. One of them was in our top players in the game.
“We’ve been forced to play some kids at this time of the year and they are playing with a lot of enthusiasm.
“They’ve earned their spots.”
“Irrespective of the result against Panton Hill, I’m really proud of the side.”
The Power led by nine points at quarter-time, but it could have been a lot more having had four more scoring shots.
A scoreless quarter left the Power trailing by 11 points at half-time. They reduced the margin back to three points at the final change.
Mitch Golby kicked the opening goal of the last quarter to put the Power ahead.
The two teams would go goal for goal for the remainder of the quarter.
PHOTO GALLERY: Panton Hill vs Laurimar
Panton Hill kicked the last goal and, along with six behinds, it was enough to get the win.
Sherman said Panton Hill’s experience shone through late in the game when they really needed it.
“It was an even contest and both sides played tough, hard football.
“That’s what you want. Their experience at the crunch moments was the difference.”
Golby finished with two goals, the only multiple goalscorer for the Power.
Sherman said co-captains Luke Wilson and Mitch Thompson were the side’s best, controlling the middle of the ground.
He also praised the defensive efforts of the group to restrict Panton Hill to 48 points. He said though they needed to create some more scoring opportunities this week against South Morang.
Laurimar will be hoping for a change of fortunes this weekend, facing South Morang in a preliminary final at Whittlesea Showgrounds.
The Lions will be full of confidence accounting for Kilmore in their semi-final.
The Lions and Laurimar played each other in the final round of the season, with the Lions winning by 50 points.
Sherman said no matter the result this weekend, they would still look at the positives.
“We’ve taken a step forward from last year in making the preliminary final,” he said.
“We’ve got a great young side and we’ve kept improving, hopefully we can win the game this week.”
