Tatura A-grade coach Fiona Boyer “couldn’t be any prouder” of her outfit following its statement win over Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League opening round.
Sporting a new-look seven, with a handful of prized recruits, Tatura dished up a resounding 46-24 win on the road at Victoria Park.
Led by former Bulldog and recently returned player Taylor Rokahr, who registered a stunning shift in wing attack, the visitors stunned the hosts with a 10-3 first term and 15-5 final quarter to skip away to an eye-catching 22-goal win.
Although on paper it goes down as just a round one win, the confidence that this emerging Bulldog outfit — which claimed just two wins last year to finish 11th — gains from the performance will be long remembered.
“It really gives us the confidence going forward that we can compete this year,” Boyer said of the victory.
“It was so pleasing to see all of the girls’ hard work and effort over the pre-season pay off. I couldn’t be prouder.
“These early wins are so valuable.”
Tatura’s defensive end restricted Echuca’s scoring opportunities, with off-season recruit and VNL talent Jasmine Fraser showcasing her skills and height in the ring with crucial rebounds.
Boyer revealed the win did come at a cost, with off-season recruit Emma Quinn suffering an injury.
Fortunately, the former Nathalia midcourter is only expected to miss a fortnight of action.
Youngster Charlette Gray played a superb game when called upon and with captain Molly Boyle (unavailable) and Quinn not on the court, gave Boyer another handy asset through the midcourt.
Image 1 of 8
Ready and waiting: Euroa's Grace Warnock. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 8
Quick pass: Mansfield's Nelle Cousins. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 8
Winding up: Mansfield's Darcy Croxford-Demasi. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 8
Out of reach: Euroa's Sophie Owen. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 8
On the move: Euroa's Eliza Hoare. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 8
In the zone: Euroa's Bree Poole. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 8
Eyes up: Mansfield's Isobel Anderson. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 8 of 8
Photo by Aydin PayneAround the courts, Euroa kicked off its campaign with a 64-24 rout over Mansfield.
The Magpies got off to hot start and halfway through the third term led 44-14 in the High Country clash.
Playing coach Ellie Warnock was able to rotate her starting seven around for the remainder for of the match as the Magpies blew past the hosts.
Meanwhile, Shepparton handed fierce rival Shepparton United a 73-51 defeat under lights on Good Friday.
The Bears leaned on recruit and VNL goaler Jane Cook who starred in her first appearance for the club.
On Saturday evening Mooroopna edged out a plucky Shepparton Swans outfit by 10 goals.
The Cats were made to work hard, but created a buffer in the second half to run out 40-30 winners.
Lastly, the reigning premier Seymour kicked off its premiership defence with a comfortable 61-32 win over Benalla.