Kicking 4.14 in the first half wasn’t the ideal way to set about ending a rare losing streak but the improvement after half-time was just what the doctor ordered as they ran out winners 16.21 (117) to 5.13 (43). 

“I could see a lot of change in execution and confidence from the first half to the second so we took another good step forward,” McMahon said after their first win since round one.

“It was a genuine four-quarter effort from everybody, it was hard to single anyone out.”

Pleased with his players’ attitude in a tough start to the year, McMahon said it’s about taking small steps to get back on course.

Brocke Argus kicked four goals, and Nick Hull three while full-back Tim Smith was their best.

EWK are only four points outside the five and have the bye next week.

Adding injury to insult for the Two Blues, they lost Brad Mogg late to a dislocated or broken ankle which could keep him sidelined for some weeks.

Disappointed Barellan coach, Darren Jackson, declared it their worst performance of the season, undoing some of the good effort of the first few weeks. They face another test next week with a trip to Temora to take on the impressive Kangaroos.