Marrar and Temora look set to live up to expectations that they’ll be the league’s big improvers after the Bombers outlasted the Roos in a first-round thriller at Langtry Oval.
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In front of a huge crowd on Saturday, the Shane Lenon era began in dramatic fashion for Marrar, fighting back from a point down in the final quarter to win 13.11 (89) to 10.11 (71).
“It could’ve went either way,” Lenon said.
“Full credit to Temora, they kept coming and applied a lot of pressure. They actually hit the front, they were in front by a point with seven or eight minutes to go.
“I think the pre-season we had come to the fore and we were able to run the game right out…but they’re a good side, they’ll win more than they lose.”
After the clubs observed a minute’s silence to honour former Bombers Graeme Reid and Clive Willis, Marrar opened with the first two goals of the game.
But they went to the first break only a point in front with returning forward Matt Harpley kicking two of Temora’s four goals.
The second term see-sawed and Temora hit the front by a point before consecutive goals to Jackson and Brad Moye gave Marrar a 12-point advantage.
But a monster goal from Mark Breust after the half-time siren saw the lead pegged back to five points.
With the only two goals of the third term, Marrar were again on top before Temora launched their comeback in the fourth.
Captain Charlie Vallance was having a big game at the back, and held Brad Turner goal-less, while Breust, Daniel Hespe and Robbie Drummond contributed unanswered goals and Temora led by one.
But the Bombers lifted to allow Tyler Cunningham to make the most of consecutive chances before Cal Gardner sealed the win with the final goal.
“There was a lot of pressure and it was good game of footy for round one, that’s for sure,” Lenon said.
“Probably the most pleasing part was the way we responded when we got behind, and we were kicking into the breeze in that last quarter.
“But we’ve still got a lot of work to do and every side will improve.”
Wingman Rhys Mooney was enormous on debut after a late call-up for a sore Chris O’Donnell.
“His second half was very, very good, he’s a good young player and he’s got a big future.”
Midfielder Jesse Margosis had a big first game while Jackson Moye was consistent and Brad Moye finished with four goals. And the Bombers have ruckman Nick Molkentin (unavailable) and midfielder Josh Hagar (injured) to come back in.
As well as Vallance and Harpley, recruit Chase Grintell was impressive for Temora.
