Kerang were simply too good in the end for Koondrook-Barham, running away with a 63-point victory at the Barham Recreation Reserve to secure their second win of the season.
However, the Blues’ win wasn’t the walk in the park as the final score may suggest, with the River Raiders putting up a gallant fight in the first half, before the reigning premiers flexed their muscles after half time on their way to a 14.16 (100) to 5.7 (37) victory.
The home side led at the quarter time break by three points thanks to some inaccuracy from Kerang in front of goal.
Jack Shannon took the goal kicking honours for the home side with two majors and was accompanied by Reagan Hamilton, Jordan Basset and Warren Lolicato, who all managed one goal each.
After quarter time Koondrook-Barham could only add one more goal to their first quarter tally, while Kerang started to click into gear, adding three second quarter goals to take a 13-point advantage into the main break.
The Raiders were kept goalless in the third quarter, but a lack of accuracy by Kerang kept the door slightly ajar for a potential comeback, with the margin sitting at 26-points heading into final quarter.
Kerang then showed their skill and class, executing their chances down forward with a seven goal final term enough to secure a comfortable victory. Jordan McNeil finished with three goals while Archer Dibsdale and Harry Bremner managed two each.
Captain Josh Nitschke lead from the front and was a clear best on ground performer, while others in the winning side’s better players included Jesse Clark, Martin Kelly, Sean Hunter, Tyson Clingan and Nicholas Lang.
The midfield of Koondrook-Barham toiled hard all day and the better players there included Jack Shannon, Jack Thrum, Patrick Goble, Scott Wood and Jason Hura.
The Raiders are winless so far to start season 2024, but have a real chance to get their first scalp of the season next week when they travel to take on Lake Boga, who are also yet to taste victory this year.
Kerang on the other hand will host Woorinen next week in a much-anticipated clash at Riverside Park, with both sides jostling for the same position on the ladder, with the Blues and the Tigers each having two wins and a loss so far this year.
FINAL SIREN
| Kerang | 2.4 | 5.9 | 7.13 | 14.16 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koondrook Barham | 3.1 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 37 |
VOTES
3 – Josh Nitschke (Kerang)
2 – Martin Kelly (Kerang)
1 – Jack Shannon (Koondrook-Barham)
