KOONDROOK Barham proved to be the better team on the day in a well fought qualifying final clash against a lacklustre Nyah Nyah West United side that was not able to bring its best game to the fore.
After the first term, the Raiders were too quick, too slick and hunted in efficient packs.
At half time, the home side had opened up a substantial lead in what was a relatively low scoring encounter but the Raiders’ 12 total scoring shots were in stark contrast to the Demons’ efforts.
Nyah Nyah West had kicked just a single goal.
Up until that point, the Demons had successfully blanketed the Raiders’ goal scoring machine but in stepped Jay Reynolds, Fraser Neate and on baller Tom May — who was running riot around the ground in a dominant display of his craft.
There was a glimmer of hope for the army of Demon fans early in the third term when some fine individual efforts from Jarrod Stokes and Joel Campbell produced two majors in as many minutes but that was the end of the party as the Raiders steadied.
Tom Lamb was getting into the action combining with Troy Rogers and Neate.
Jay Reynolds snagged another major and May produced the goal of the day, a fantastic snap from a pack situation, allowing the Raiders to steady the ship.
One young Demon deserving of a special mention was Jayden Borchard, who was tireless and showed courage and maturity beyond his years appearing for the most part to have the unenviable job of manning up on Rogers.
But the Raiders had winners on every line, starting with ruckman Rhett Sutton who showed excellent mobility to add to the around the ground brigade, creating another problem for his opponents.
Jake Hare is now a mature player for the Raiders and put in a serviceable display, as did brother Zac who is tall and quick and very hard to match up on.
The final term saw Koondrook Barham still running on top with six-goal star Reynolds the dominant forward on the ground.
The Demons best player in Jarrod Skinner was still battling out of defence and showing amazing skill with long runs from deep in the back line and superb kicking.
Koondrook Barham have now won the opportunity to take on the rested Kerang but on the form shown on Saturday, they just may have the firepower to upset the flag favourites and move one step closer to the coveted silverware.
Nyah Nyah West will need to regroup, setting the stage for a rugged encounter against elimination final winners.
