Nicholas Rupolo, Narrandera Argus
The Barellan Two Blues have finally launched themselves off the bottom of the table with a 96-35 win against Temora Kangaroos at Nixon Park.
It took them five weeks, but Alex Lawder’s Blues have got their first win of the season with a 10- goal buffer headlining the win.
With many expectations on them for the season, Barellan’s new signings including Michael Lovett and Josh Brittliff came into their own for the win.
Barellan were two goals in front in the first quarter before keeping Temora scoreless in the second.
The Kangaroos couldn’t muster a fight-back with Barellan extending the lead throughout the game.
Matt Wells goals in the third quarter sealed the victory while Sean Ellis and Marcus Lawrence drove the dagger into Temora, ensuring no surprises came in the final stanza.
Head Coach Lawder was absolutely thrilled with the performance and lauded his sides perseverance after four winless weeks.
“It does feel good to get the monkey off the back,” Lawder said.
“At the end of the day we knew it was going to be a tough road, nothing was going to come easy, especially where Barellan has been, we work hard for everything we get.
“We improved in North Wagga and got our reward against Temora, as a coach you want to see guys smiling and enjoying their football and see them smiling and singing the song.”
A handful of fresh faces joined Barellan in the off-season, including player-coach Lawder.
However, those new players are finally starting to enjoy the spotlight together.
He had some special words for newcomer Josh Brittliff who emulated his idol Dustin Martin in midfield.
“Josh was really good and he’s been improving each week he’s good to see he’s been singled out because he’s a tough inside bull, loves a crash and bash,” Lawder said.
“He’s a Richmond supporter and loves Dustin Martin, it’s really good to see him in close and take a footy and push through the pack, he’s been building and you would have seen some of the other Canberra guys performing well.
“We knew it would take time to gel and we are starting to see all those Canberra guys understand and get to know their teammates.
“It releases the shackles where we’ve got that win now we can improve and go in for more.
“We’ve got one now, let’s get another one, let’s knock off one of the higher teams on the ladder.”
This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 20 May 2021.
