LAST year’s cellar dwellers Gol Gol pulled off a massive shock at the weekend when they knocked off reigning A Grade premiers Nangiloc in a tight battle at Lake Cullulleraine.
Trailing by three points at the main break, the Hawks fought their way to a 25 to 23 lead at the end of the third and then, in a torrid final stanza, kept the Demons at bay to finish impressive 36-31 victors.
After being winless last season, the opening day performance will certainly have boosted the spirits of the team on the other side of the river and also those of new coach Brooke Oosting.
New recruit Ally Stanborough was a standout for Gol Gol along with Abbey Curran and Emily Phillips.
The ladder toppers had a massive number of departures in the offseason with only coach Ginine Sluiter remaining from the premiership side and it seems a quick rebuild may not be on the cards.
The coach, new arrival Amber King and Shayna Saunders were named Nangy’s best in a disappointing start to their title defence.
The day’s other games went as expected with last season’s runners-up Werrimull and minor premiers Bambill completing victories.
Scores were locked at halftime of the Bambill-Cardross game but a strong second half saw the Saints put on 35 goals to 12 to claim a 57-34 win.
Kaylie Monaghan, Maddy Tormey and Tessa Houkamau were Bambill’s top performers while coach Bronte Burgess, Tamara Hamence and Charlotte McKendrick stood out for the Lions.
In Saturday’s later encounter, Werrimull outclassed Meringur 40-31 in a game they also didn’t have all their own way.
In fact, the Magpies were trailing by a goal at the big break before a 15-goal third quarter surge saw them gain the decisive break.
Erin Sell, Anna Thomson and Grace Kelly were named Werrimull’s best while that honour went to Madelyn McPhee, former Cardross defender Christina Villiva and Jessica Tiller, formerly of Red Cliffs, for the gritty Kangaroos outfit.
