The reigning premiers made it three straight wins over the Kangaroos, who they beat in last year’s grand final, and again in round one this season, claiming a 9.20 (74) to 6.11 (47) victory. 

If there were doubts about Marrar after their first loss to North Wagga a fortnight ago and a hot-and-cold two-quarter effort against Charles Sturt University, the Bombers went a long way to restoring their brand with a big first half at Temora. 

“I was pretty happy with that effort,” Marrar coach Shane Lenon said.

“They turned up and played for each other today. I thought our pressure and tackling and the way we worked and ran for each other was pretty good. 

“It was a really good team effort.”

Marrar midfielder Jackson Moye led an inspired first-half effort for the visitors in a physical and fast affair. 

The teams traded some chances early and there was only a point in it after 12 minutes. But Marrar were on top and over the next quarter-and-a-half, had full control. 

The Bombers’ lead at quarter time was 12 points, but they’d kicked eight behinds. By halftime, the margin was 32 and they’d had more scoring shots (18) than Temora had points on the board (16). 

Jason Reid and Brad Moye had two goals each at half-time – and might have had more – while Temora kicked one in the first 42 minutes of football. 

In fact, the Roos didn’t trouble the scorer from the 12^th minute of the first quarter to the 18^th minute of the second, as Marrar took their reward for run and pressure. 

After a serve in the sheds, the home side showed they might have something more in the second half but kicked three behinds in a row, before Marrar responded with the next three goals (and three misses) to open up a 49-point lead. 

Temora forward Matt Wallis continued to work hard and was rewarded with two goals before the last break to start to close the gap, and they kicked the only two of the final quarter to diminish the difference to less than five goals. 

“They’re a good side and they’re hard to beat here – they give us a bit of a touch up here last year,” Lenon said. 

“We got a couple of blokes back which helped – Brad Langtry, big Shannon Williams, which was good and (Jake) Hindmarsh who was very good down back.”

The two Moyes and Reid (who kicked 3.4) led a strong all-round performance. 

Forward Rory Block made a surprise switch to start on a half-back flank and found some form getting heavily involved throughout as Marrar continually turned Temora around and had contributors everywhere.

Temora missed Anthony Atkin in the ruck with Chris Stacey’s move there changing their set-up. Backman Angus McRae had another fine game, including showing some great courage, while Wallis, Luke Gerhard and Damien Ponting all tried to lift the team.

 An ankle injury to Rob Grant didn’t help their cause and they head to Ariah Park next week for the derby against the Northern Jets. 

Marrar are back at home, to take on East Wagga-Kooringal who are coming off an upset loss to the Jets.