Ewes are on front foot
Back-to-back premier Natimuk United does not look ready to let its flag go.
The reigning title-holders are again taking position as early 2019 front-runners after round-one of Horsham District league A Grade competition.
Ewes looked keen to make their opponents’ lives difficult, starting their season with an impressive lead through all four quarters against Swifts on Saturday, 64-37.
Natimuk United will seek to continue its momentum against Jeparit-rainbow this week.
The Storm’s A Grade co-coach Ashleigh Morrison said the club had honed its focus following last season and while it might not be expected to steal the Ewes’ flag, hopes to be more competitive in 2019.
Swifts will take on Noradjuha-quantong, a side that also recorded a disappointing first defeat on the weekend with a 24-goal loss to Laharum.
The Bombers have had significant changes to their A Grade squad, and are finding their feet at this stage in the competition.
The Bombers and Baggies will both be looking to redeem themselves, which will likely make for an exciting game.
Caitlin Story and Maddison Iredell both made a pivotal impact in the ring for Laharum at the weekend.
Tantalisingly close to a premiership last season, the Demons did not appear to skip a beat, and will prepare to meet Pimpinio
this week. It will be another tough test for the Tigers after a loss against Edenhopeapsley, 55-44.
Pimpinio took the first quarter but the Saints were too strong, Ellie Thomas and Sarah Domaschenz helping shake up the court as a power coaching-duo.
For Taylors Lake a 21-goal loss to Rupanyup was a disappointing start to the season. The Lakers have not won a game for two years and the defeat has only extended their dry-spell.
Lakers coach Gab Mcculloch said the club’s goal was to secure at least two A Grade wins in 2019. They will face the unforgiving Edenhope-apsley in round two.
Kalkee and Harrow-balmoral butted heads in an exciting match, resulting in a close 46-41 result the Roos’ way.
The Kees did not make it easy for the Roos and took possession of the first half, Hayley Thomas and Jenna Bywaters strong in the ring.
But the Roos ultimately ran away with victory, Brittany Jane Keller in goal-attack securing a healthy 26 goals for the winning outfit.
Roos will now have a bye this weekend as they prepare for a later clash against Rupanyup, who first meets Kalkee – a side Panthers took a loss to last year.
Rupanyup has said it is keen to make an impact right across the competition this year, and they have made a strong start, but we can surely expect Kees to put up a fight to get on the winners list in round two.
Round one results: Natimuk United d Swifts 64-37, Laharum d Noradjuha-quantong 51-27, Edenhope-apsley d Pimpinio 55-44, Rupanyup d Taylors Lake 55-34, Harrow-balmoral d Kalkee 46-41.