GANMAIN-Grong Grong-Matong is off to a shaky start in its quest for a fifth straight Riverina league flag.
The Lions' incredible 40-game winning streak, dating back to August 2009, was brought to an end on Sunday at the hands of arch rivals Coolamon.
Given little hope of causing an upset, the Hoppers avenged last year's grand final defeat with a 40-point victory, 17.17 (119) to 12.7 (79).
Ganmain president Peter McCaig said the loss would hopefully serve as a wake-up call.
"We have had a bit of an interrupted pre-season, with a few guys starting late, and Coolamon definitely seemed much fitter and hungrier than us," McCaig said.
Coolamon was tipped to tumble down the ladder this season after several key players departed during summer.
But under new coach Matthew Hard, the Hoppers' youngsters shone at the weekend and now look a definite threat to the Lions' premiership domination.
Coolamon president Warren McLoughlin said the club's faith in its junior stocks was already paying dividends.
"We're certainly not getting carried away with the win, but the young guys really showed they could mix with the best on the weekend," he said.
