Crows pose major threat
Reigning premiers Waringarri Crows have fired an ominous warning to the rest of the East Kimberley Football League after hammering Timber Creek Lions by a whopping 196 points in their opening fixture.
The Crows completely overwhelmed the Lions in all facets of the game and did it without nine of their premiership players from last season, running away with the match 32.13 (205) to 1.3 (9).
They are expected to face a sterner test this weekend against Warmun Eagles, who kicked off their 2014 campaign with a comfortable win over the Port Wyndham Crocs.
Led by key players, the Sampi brothers, the Eagles dispelled any myth they would be weakened by the introduction of new team the Bow River Blues, winning 15.4 (94) to 7.6 (48).
Kurt Hunter and Fred Johnson were in good form for the Crocs which will look to win their first game of the season against Kununurra Demons next week.
The Demons, who look a much improved outfit in 2014, were gallant for 2½ quarters against the Ord River Magpies but were unable to contain dynamic forward Zac Baggs, who booted nine goals.
The win saw the Magpies retain the Plunkett Memorial Shield which honours Dave Plunkett, a former Magpies player who died in a helicopter crash several years ago.
After holding the Magpies goalless in the second quarter, the Demons found themselves right in the contest, trailing by just one goal.
However, the Magpies pulled away in the third term and dominated the final quarter to run out 14.6 (90) to 4.7 (31) winners.
It was the fifth consecutive time the Magpies have won the Plunkett match.
In the newly formed southern division, Halls Creek Hawks showed they might be the team to beat in 2014, thrashing Bow River Blues by 56 points.
The Hawks were too quick for the Blues, running out 14.6 (90) to 5.4 (34) winners in hot conditions.
Steve Ramsay, who was instrumental in helping form the Blues as a club, was also a solid contributor on the field.
In the other match of the round, the Yardgee Dockers beat Kururrungku Roos 15.10 (100) to 6.8 (44).
Wirramanu Tigers and Kundat Djaru Cats had their game cancelled after both teams struggled to field a side.
The EKFL was divided into a north and south division earlier this year to reduce travel burdens in an effort to combat rising forfeits.
