Catherine Ferraro
KILMORE Under 18s fought out a determined battle against a dominant Macedon line-up in the Buffalo Sports Under 18s Cup on Sunday at Lancefield Park.
Despite giving their all the Blues went down by 23-points to the season's minor premiers.
In a talented display from the youngsters of the Riddell District Football League, both sides were quick to put scores on the board and fought a hard, tight contest.
Macedon had the wind advantage early and worked hard to deliver to their forwards well.
Kilmore's Lachlan Clement led the way with some expert clearances in the ruck for the Blues and was strong at ground level also.
Macedon gained some ascendancy at the stoppages, but each possession was hard earned with the likes of Tom McMillan and Rhys Way ferocious in putting pressure on the ball.
Macedon led at the first break by 14 points.
The Blues dominated play in the second quarter, but lacked targets in the forward 50 and struggled to convert.
The term was a low scoring affair and both sides lacked momentum and drive.
The third term saw Kilmore keep apace with the Cats through effective disposal against the breeze.
Trademark chipping passes and patience kept Kilmore in the chase and they had the momentum early before Macedon's Tom Arnold was stretchered from the field suffering a hit to the head within play and the match was halted for at least five minutes.
Macedon regained some ascendancy and kept the Blues restricted which saw them begin to bomb passes into their forward 50 and lack control.
The Blues hit back with two late goals going into the last break and coach Nathan Phillips revved them up in his three quarter time address, demanding an effort of 100 percent from all players and for each individual to put his hand up and go for it.
Kilmore hit the ground running at the bounce and looked ready to charge ahead but inaccuracy saw the Blues post three points from three shots on goal and squander valuable chances.
To their credit they never stopped and fought the game out gallantly.
Macedon maintained their ability to control play through team work and second efforts and claimed the win and the premiership by 23 points.
It was a harsh loss for the Blues who have dreamed of premiership glory after their grand final loss to Woodend/Hesket last season.
Lachlan Clement, Rhys Way and Mick Marrett were named best on ground for the Blues.
At his after match address Phillips commended his side on a great effort and thanked them for making him proud through efforts on the day and all season.
He urged them to stay together as a team, as he has encouraged them to do all season, so they can continue to enjoy the game together and go from strength to strength.
Macedon's coach Steve Turner congratulated the Blues on making the grand final two years in a row and thanked them for a great game, wishing them all the best for next season.
Match results:
GRAND FINAL
UNDER 18s
Macedon 4.3 5.7 7.11 10.11 (71) d
Kilmore 2.1 2.5 4.5 6.12 (48)
Goals(M): L. Plowman, D. Markworth, M. Strickland 2; T. Drew, B. Faria, R. Henry, S. Smith.
Best: L. Plowman, NM. Italia, B. Faria, C. Dick, T. Hansford, M. Strickland.
Goals (K): R. Way, A. Desmond, L. Crowley 2.
Best: L. Clement, R. Way, M. Marrett, A. Desmond, T. Snaith, B. Maher.






