Tara Murray
Laurimar moved back into the Northern Football League division 3 top two with an important win against Mernda.
Sitting second and third on the ladder heading into the match, the long time rivalry had a bit more at stake on Saturday.
The Power started off well and led by 16 points at quarter time and then 23 points at the main break.
The Demons were able to reduce the margin in the third quarter to still be in the game at three quarter time, just 15 points down.
The Power responded in the last quarter with three goals to none, to seal the win, 10.14 (74)-6.6 (42).
Power coach Jimmy Atkins said the two sides always traditionally have some hard fought contests.
“It was a good win,” he said. “It was good to get one back after last time we played them in round two when they won.
“It was a good hard fought win, it was a tough game.”
Atkins said there was plenty of pressure around the ball all game. He said they were able to have control of most of the game.
“We had a bit of control, but we didn’t take the opportunity to get a fairly handy lead,” he said.
“It handled the game pretty well. It’s always a good contest.”
Noah Mooney and Micah Vecchio kicked two goals each for the Power, while it was all single goal kickers for the Demons.
Atkins said captains Luke Wilson and Mitchell Thompson were standouts for the Power, while he said Rylan Herrick played his best game for the club.
The win puts the Power into second on the ladder, now percentage ahead of Mernda. Kinglake sits a game clear on top of the ladder.
Atkins said nothing gets any easier for the rest of the season.
“We lost one game to Kinglake in that tough period and we have another one coming soon,” he said.
“It’s pretty even this year and we’ll have to fight it out to the end. We are aiming for top two, but it’s never decided at this time of the year, it’ll go down to the wire.”
The Power this Saturday face bottom side Lalor, which is without a win after 10 rounds.
Atkins said they need to make the most of their opportunities and keep putting wins on the board.
The Bloods had a loss to Old Eltham Collegians on Saturday.
The Turtles built the lead throughout, winning 14.17 (101)-5.4 (34).
In division 1, Bundoora fell short against North Heidelberg, 10.10 (70)-7.11 (53), while Whittlesea lost to Heidelberg, 14.14 (98)-5.6 (36).
The Bulls sit in third spot, while the Eagles are bottom without a win.
In division 2, Thomastown beat South Morang while Epping suffered a big loss to Diamond Creek.
