MONTHS of controversy and conjecture were buried as the Eastern Wanderers made a booming start to the Griffith soccer premiership yesterday.
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In an impressive debut in the powerful Griffith competition, Eastern Wanderers upstaged West Griffith 2-0 in the opening round.
Coming after players from Football Wagga clubs Lake Albert and Wagga United banded to form the Eastern Wanderers late last year, the dominant, and historic, first-up victory was sweet validation of the decision.
Ex-Lake Albert star Justin Curran, who played a key role in the formation of the Eastern Wanderers, was definitely thrilled with the result.
Speaking to The Daily Advertiser yesterday, Curran described the 2-0 success was a "great start" for the Wanderers.
"It wasn't a pretty win, but it was a perfect result," Curran said.
"The football was scrappy, but it's still a great start."
Curran and Shaun Reddy nailed goals in the first half to have the Wanderers up 2-0 at half-time – and that was enough.
"The second half was pretty scrappy," Curran said.
"We were more than satisfied."
On a day of triumph for the Wanderers, Nathan Bowman, Bai Sahbenah and Chris Durnan were the mainstays, but Curran was also a tower of strength.
For the Wanderers, yesterday's "away" win has given the players and supporters significant room for optimism.
Curran said the team would now face a substantial challenge against Yoogali at Gissing Oval under lights on Saturday night.
"They're (Yoogali) a top-notch team," Curran said.
"They've signed six Fijian players and two of them are ex-internationals.
"They will be very tough."
Playing in Wagga at 5pm on Saturday will be a magnificent chance for the Eastern Wanderers to showcase the team without any opposition. All Football Wagga soccer will be played on Sunday, leaving the Wanderers with a clear run at the market.