The pressure had been building at Coleambally and when it was released, Barellan wore the consequences.
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After starting the season with two straight losses, the Blues opened their account under Josh Hamilton – and the floodgates – with a massive 15.24 (114) to 2.5 (17) win at home.
Inaccurate kicking prevented the margin running into triple figures, as Coleambally kicked more points than goals every quarter.
Coach Josh Hamilton was just relieved to get a result.
“That’s for sure, a bit of weight off my shoulders,” Hamilton said.
“We played well. There’s certainly things we can improve but it’s a good start and things are starting to click.”
Coleambally started well and finished even better, with Hamilton pleased that they restricted Barellan to two goals for the game, including a scoreless final quarter.
Describing it as a good team effort, Hamilton said having Simon Mackie back helped provide a target up forward, while Shaun Light turned in another eye-catching performance.
Mackie kicked four goals in the win, while Light and Jackson Painting chimed in with three each.
The Blues are assured another four points with the bye next week and have a fortnight to prepare for North Wagga, when they expect to have Shane Pound and Graham O’Connell back, with Drew Kenna also a possible inclusion.
“It’ll be a good challenge,” Hamilton said.
“We were giving the ball back too easily (against Temora) and we did it a little bit again today too but we can get it together soon I hope.”
