Central Murray: Koondrook-Barham takes down reigning premier Nyah-Nyah West United

Koondrook-Barham has made a massive statement in the Central Murray league by beating the reigning premier. See how it happened.

Last year’s Central Murray league wooden-spooner Koondrook-Barham has upset reigning premier Nyah-Nyah West United by nine points on Saturday to remain undefeated after two rounds.

After a first-up win under new coach Marcus Demaria, Koondrook-Barham put the rest of the competition on notice when it led by 40 points early in the final quarter.

Midfielder Benji Neal, who was recruited from Sunraysia league club Robinvale-Euston, starred for the second match in a row with another newcomer, Kyall Parker, booting three goals.

NNNW kicked the last six goals of the match, but the damage had been done early, with a 23-point lead at halftime extended to 36 points at three quarter time.

Marcus Demaria was a two-time premiership coach of Woorinen. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Harry Bremner, who crossed from Central Murray rival Kerang in the off-season, also provided another option up forward.

Koondrook-Barham won only one match last year and pulled off a coup when it signed dual Woorinen premiership coach Demaria to lead the revival.

Mallee Eagles, Woorinen and Koondrook-Barham are all undefeated after two rounds with the Eagles and Koondrook-Barham to meet after the Easter bye.

Cohuna Kangas, who had the bye in round 1, thrashed Balranald, 26.24 (180) to 0.2 (2) with former Echuca player Corbin Anderson kicking seven goals.

WIMMERA

Forward Paul Summers has starred in his comeback match with Stawell in an opening round 21-point win against 2024 runner-up Southern Mallee at Beulah.

Summers kicked 124 goals for Swifts in the Horsham District league last year and in his return match for Stawell booted nine goals.

Stawell took control early against Thunder, leading by 28 points at quarter time, with Summers kicking four goals in the first term.

But Thunder cut the margin to 15 points at the last change.

Stawell’s Josh Fowkes starred in the win over Southern Mallee. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Ruckman Josh Fowkes played a starring role for Stawell as did Zach Marrow and captain Sam Williams.

Rupanyup recruit Brayden Ison kicked three goals for Thunder as did Kai Sheers.

Stawell has a new co-coach set up this season with Perry Meka and James Sullivan, who joined the club two years ago as a player.

Reigning premiers Ararat ominously thrashed Horsham Demons by 148 points with forwards Tom Mills, Jack Ganley and Tom Williamson running amok with 21 goals between them.’

Co-coach Mills led the way with nine.

HAMPDEN

In the absence of playing coach Nathan Vardy, North Warrnambool downed South Warrnambool in the grand final replay by five points.

North led at the last change by 11 points and was able to hold off a never-say-die South, which has won the last two flags and were buoyed by the return of VFL-listed duo Archie Stevens and Jay Rantall.

Adam Wines stepped up for North with a starring role and was well supported by his brother Luke, Harry Keast and Zac Everall, who booted three goals.

North Warrnambool coach Nathan Vardy missed the win over South Warrnambool in the grand final replay. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

North sits second on the ladder undefeated behind 2025 surprise packet Portland, which downed Terang-Mortlake by 34 points after a big win against Koroit in round 1.

South and Koroit will play on Good Friday before Portland gets the chance to go 3-0 when it plays Hamilton on Anzac Day.

Hamilton led all day against Camperdown on Saturday before being overpowered in the final term to lose by 21 points.

Originally published as Central Murray: Koondrook-Barham takes down reigning premier Nyah-Nyah West United