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THE Ararat Eagles scored a thrilling one goal win over Moyston/Willaura to open their Mininera and District Netball Association account for season 2015.
The Pumas led at each interval before succumbing in the last quarter, in what would best be described as the upset of the round.
The Eagles' line-up was bolstered with the inclusion of Ararat Rats' joint-coaches Rebecca Skrabl and Olivia West, who played on permit to get some match fitness ahead of round one of the Wimmera Netball Association this weekend.
The pair's influence in the final term proved vital, however it was Moyston/Willaura which started strongly, with goal attack Kira Stapleton making the most of her opportunities as well as providing some solid passing into Zanetta Hosking.
The Pumas went into the first break with a handy six goal lead, before Ararat was able to bring the margin back to one at the main break with a more desperate second quarter of netball. Skrabl in defence took some timely intercepts during the term and was starting to restrict the Pumas' scoring ability.
Moyston/Willaura made some changes to its line-up at halftime, while Ararat brought on Genesis Rameka at goal keeper, who had an immediate impact with only one goal separating the two at the final change.
The teams went goal-for-goal in the last quarter, before the Eagles managed to level the scores and then finally take the game 34 goals to 33.
Jamie-Lee Bennett played an integral role for the visitors in the mid court at both centre and wing attack, with her work rate very high throughout the match.
Glenthompson/Dunkeld got off to a flyer in its match against reigning premiers Wickliffe/Lake Bolac at Dunkeld, which saw the Rams lead 19-7 at the first break.
The Magpies brought Sarah McInnes into goal keeper to try and stop the ease at which the Rams were scoring, but little change was seen on the scoreboard.
Tayla Notting also tried hard in defence, however found herself out manoeuvred at times, while Stacey Stewart fed the ball into attack strongly but the team was unable to capitalise.
The Rams went onto record a 59 to 31 win.
SM&W Rovers' goal shooter Peta Byrne scored at 82 per cent during for the opening quarter against Great Western to give her team a four goal advantage at the first interval.
Her opponent Erin Freeland tightened up after quarter time and was able to restrict Byrne's dominance somewhat and was included in her team's best players.
With some minor adjustments at the main break and bringing youngster Courtney McCrow into the centre, the Bulldogs were able to get some fast moving play through their mid court in the third quarter to open up a 10 goal buffer.
Great Western continued to play controlled netball the last quarter, but was unable to draw back the deficit, eventually falling short by nine goals at the final whistle.
Rovers' midcourt players Amelia Dunn and Rosemary Weatherly were named as their team's best, while the Lions' Morrow led the way for the home side.
Hawkesdale/Macarthur has handed Tatyoon a big opening round defeat, 45 to 27.
The match was evenly poised up until halftime, before the Southern Eagles drew away in the third and fourth quarters.
The Hawks' Simone King enjoyed her return to the court with a standout performance at goal defence.
Her tireless efforts at deflecting and intercepting the ball was a great spectacle from the sidelines.
Youngster Jane Astbury was also playing well through the centre third for Tatyoon before sustaining an ankle injury which saw her leave the court midway through the second term.
A grade results
Caramut 19 (S Wiffen K Wakefield) lost to Woorndoo-Mortlake 86 (J Cameron R Kleevan); Hawkesdale Macarthur 45 (E Martin C Pye) lost to Tatyoon 27 (S King); Lismore Derrinallum 25 (L Prentice S Rogers) lost to Penshurst 69 (C Glare G Standaar); Glenthompson-Dunkeld 59 (A Knight N Lowe) def Wickliffe Lake Bolac 31 (T Notting S Stewart); Great Western 29 (E Freeland C Morrow) lost to SMW Rovers 38 (R Weatherly A Dunn); Moyston Willaura 33 (K Stapleton G Eastick) lost to Ararat 34 (J Bennett S West).
Ladder: Woorndoo-Mortlake 4 (pts), 452.63 (%); Penshurst 4, 276.00; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 4, 190.32; Hawkesdale Macarthur 4, 166.67; SMW Rovers 4, 131.03; Ararat 4, 103.03; Moyston Willaura 0, 97.06; Great Western 0, 76.32; Tatyoon 0, 60.00; Wickliffe Lake Bolac 0, 52.54; Lismore Derrinallum 0, 36.23; Caramut 0, 22.09.