Shepparton East’s A-grade netball premiership defence has started with a bang after its season opener against Longwood in Kyabram District League on Saturday.
The Eagles began the game with a few nerves and errant passes, but those kinks were soon ironed out as they took control of the match in a dominant display.
Under the new leadership of co-coaches Bianca Kelly and Kate Durling, the Eagles were able to move the ball up the court in a quick and precise manner, while their defence was stoic, only conceding 16 goals for the match.
One of the on-court standouts for the Eagles was goal shooter Maddison Newey, who was ruthless in attack as Shepparton East ran out a 67-16 winner.
Durling was particularly impressive in her leadership role on court as she provided clear instructions across all four quarters to her teammates and encouraged them to lift their heads after a mistake.
The new coach’s leadership didn’t end at the final siren either, as Durling went around to each one of her players individually to give them feedback on what they did well and what they could improve on for their next match against Lancaster.
Overall, Durling was happy with her side’s effort despite the early nerves in the first quarter.
“I’m actually really happy with the performance,” she said.
“There were a few nerves in the first five minutes, but our connection came together and I think we put in a really good three-quarters after that together.
“Our goalers, all three of them, had a really good game with great input.”
Having achieved the ultimate success in 2023, the Eagles are chasing back-to-back flags this season and Durling believes she and Kelly have the right players to do it.
“The group is really easy (to coach), actually,” she said.
“I am struggling to put seven on the court every week because everyone is so even and that starting seven, I think any of them can put their hand up for a starting seven position.
“It was quite warm today, so I am happy with our fitness too.”
In other round one matches, Violet Town secured victory away from home in a thriller against Avenel.
The match went right down to the wire, with Violet Town scraping a two-goal victory over the Swans, 49-51.
Dookie United was dominant in its opening match of the season as it dominated Undera’s A-grade side.
United’s confidence will be boosted for its next match after defeating Undera by 24 goals, 70-46.
Girgarre started its campaign with an impressive victory over last year’s grand finalist, Tallygaroopna.
The Kangaroos won the low-scoring affair 36-28.
Merrigum secured a win in its first match of the season after the Bulldogs defeated Rushworth 45-29 at Merrigum Recreation Reserve.
In Sunday afternoon’s match, Nagambie secured an away victory against Murchison-Toolamba, 36-52, to round out the weekend’s results.