In what was the most anticipated return to sport in recent memory, Central Highlands Netball League (CHNL) premiership contenders hit the ground running to start their seasons.
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Buninyong, Springbank and Beaufort were the dominant sides of the round, claiming big 51, 50 and 47-point wins respectively.
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Reigning preliminary finalists Buninyong started strongly, dominating from start to finish against Bungaree to take the win 67-16.
Coach Meg Gilbert told The Courier it was an impressive start to the season by her side.
"It was really good, I'm really happy with how the girls went, so off to a good start," she said.
"I think everyone just played their role, it was just a really even game across the board, everyone played really good so just happy with that."
She added that key recruit Erin Riley and goal shooter Zoe Ottavi were two of the better players, alongside Laura Bourke.
Springbank, grand finalists in 2019, followed the Bombers lead beating Newlyn 66-16.
Coach Kelly Conroy told The Courier it was great to firstly be back on the court and secondly to play well and have a win.
"It was really nice. It was just good to get on court regardless of what the scoreboard said. Having that added nice margin was a nice little win just to top it off as well," she said.
"I reckon our main goal as a team for the entire four quarters was probably just to build an understanding again of how each of us play. We're really focused on working as a team and working as that one unit."
Beaufort never let Carngham Linton into the game, leading from start to finish to win 69-22.
New coach Aimee Kirby told The Courier the win was a great start for her side as it looks to jump into the finals in 2021 after a 3-13 record in 2019.
"It was a fantastic start to the season, took a moment for us to find a grove at the start but we played hard for all four quarters," she said.
"Honestly I really struggled to pick a best on the day, all of the girls had a role to do and they absolutely nailed it."
Reigning minor premiers Learmonth brushed off its senior player exodus from 2019 to claim an impressive 38-30 win over Rokewood-Corindhap.
New coach Lauren Williams started her Skipton career with the tightest result of the round, a 39-38 win over Gordon.
Both sides entered the 2021 season with some key recruits, making for a scintillating opening game.
In other results, Dunnstown held off Waubra to win 38-32 away from home.
Creswick spoiled Christine Hill's 300 game milestone match, taking home a seven-point win over Clunes, 40-33.
Round two sets up a mouth watering clash as Buninyong and Springbank do battle.
The clash will be the only time the sides will meet in the regular season until a possible finals match-up later in the year.
Beaufort and Waubra looms as another key clash.
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