Tara Murray
Laurimar blew out the cobwebs with a massive win against Reservoir in the Northern Football League division 3.
After a pretty even first quarter, the Power stormed away with a further 39 scoring shots to just one, to record a 24.20 (164)-1.1 (7).
Power coach Jimmy Atkins said while they were thrilled to get out there and get the four points, the biggest thing was being back out there playing football in front of fans.
He said after a slow start they were able to play some really good football.
“It was a tight contest early on as both sides blew out the cobwebs,” he said. “We put our foot down in the second half and played really well.
“They scored a goal in the first quarter and they only had one other scoring shot after that. We were concentrating on what we know we do well.
“We want to be known as a defensive side and we ticked a lot of boxes.”
Atkins said while they did a really good job defensively, they were able to back it up with plenty of scoreboard pressure in difficult conditions.
For much of the game there was drizzling rain, leaving the ball quite wet.
“We had a hell of a lot of scoring shots including more goals than points, which can sometimes be to our detriment,” he said.
“A few of the kids were able to pop up.”
Jacson Cecil and Joshua Campbell kicked five goals apiece. For Campbell it was his first senior game for the Power.
He was one of several players to make their debuts.
“We had six debuatants,” Atkins said. “We had two under-17s and four under-19s, there’s a great future for us.
“A couple of them were original kids from when Laurimar first started. We’re in a very good position with a lot of kids coming through.
“We want to make sure they are warranting games, as they’re the future.”
As well as being impressed with the new players Atkins said some of their recruits had started really well.
Nathan Andrews, who played with and was coached by Atkins at Whittlesea showed a lot of class, while Ethen Frawley has returned to the club from West Preston Lakeside.
The Power this week face Kilmore in what should be a good round two clash.
Atkins said playing finals this season was the minimum they were aiming for this season.
“We definitely want to play finals, that’s for sure,” he said. “It’s the same as last year.
“We have not been able to get a finals win. We want to get one and push from there.”
In other division 3 matches, Heidelberg West smashed Lalor, 32.20 (212)-1.2 (8), South Morang beat Mernda 12.12 (84)-4.2 (26), while Kilmore beat Old Eltham Collegians, 9.7 (61)-7.9 (51).
In division 1, Bundoora and Whittlesea both suffered losses to West-Preston Lakeside and Greensborough respectively.
In division 2, Epping got a first up win, while Thomastown suffered an upset loss.
