Barellan deserved to savour victory at Coleambally on Saturday with the 11.11 (77) to 5.11 (41) win guaranteeing they’ll avoid the wooden spoon this year.
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Midfielder-forward Sean Ellis was the star of the show, stepping up when it was needed after Coleambally had taken it to the visitors.
The home side had trailed by less than a goal at quarter-time and half-time, and hit the front early in the third quarter of a low-scoring affair. But Ellis delivered with three late goals, backing up the three of teammate James McCabe, as Barellan kicked all five goals of the last quarter to win by 36 points.
“It (Ellis’ effort) was the difference in the finish,” Barellan coach Will Overs said.
“We opened the game up a little bit in the finish and we were able to kick away. It took us a while to get going and it was a bit of a slog until the last.
“Probably to win ugly was the highlight. It’s the first time we’ve done it. We’ve found a way to win where during the year we probably found a way to lose those games.”
Barellan’s third win of the year also confirms 2018 as their best season since rejoining the Farrer League, having claimed only four victories in the previous three years.
“This year definitely hasn’t unfolded the way we envisioned, we were hoping it would be a bit better,” Overs said.
“But a win is always nice and that’s three for the year, so we’ll enjoy it.”
While Ellis, McCabe and Kabe Stockton led Barellan’s effort, Coleambally co-coach Tom Groves was once again a standout for his side producing another strong effort while Jack Cullen showed why he’s considered a highly promising talent.