The Maroons led at every change, but had to withstand a spirited second half performance from the Eagles, who ultimately came up one goal shy of victory.

Shay credited the Eagles for a strong performance.

"They were good all across the court and have a good line-up that has played together for a while now," she said.

"We were lucky we had a four or five goal buffer for the majority of the day because they finished better than us."

Putting their full-squad on the court has been an issue each week for the Maroons early in the new season.

On Saturday they had goal shooter Jane Reid unavailable.

"We have been a bit scratchy," Shay conceded.

"We've had to bring a girl up from B-grade each week, which, they are fine, we train as a squad.

"But we definitely noticed that (on Saturday)."

The Maroons got excellent service from pacy defender Amy Jackson, goal defence Megan Jennings and goal attack Renee Skirving, who was celebrating her 50th club game.

Maiden Gully YCW coach Christie Griffiths was left to rue a slow start after her side produced some of its best netball of the season in the second half.

The Eagles were five goals down at both half time and three-quarter time.

"I was rapt with our second half of the game, we were missing one of our players, which is why I played, and had she been there it might have made the difference," Griffiths said.

"But I was very proud of how the girls played and they now know they can do it and should be able to do it, it just a matter of sticking to our game plan and I'm sure we'll improve."

The loss puts the Eagles outside the top five with a 1-2 win-loss record ahead of a tough contest against last season’s elimination final rival Bridgewater.

Griffiths nominated goal keeper Laura Hamilton as the Eagles' best in an even team effort.

"I think our defensive pressure was great, we were able to turn them over," she said.

"After half time our goalers (Sidney Niemann and Stephanie Donnellon) really stepped up.

"It was a real team effort."

The clash was the first at Maiden Gully YCW’s new headquarters at Marist College Oval, with the new set-up winning plaudits from both coaches.

Meanwhile, Pyramid Hill continued its strong form in a 68-24 win over Bears Lagoon-Serpentine, with a clash against top of the ladder Mitiamo ahead for the Bulldogs, who are now 2-2, in a fortnight's time.

Mitiamo continued its unbeaten form by scoring a 63-34 win over Marong, while Bridgewater added its third win of the season against Inglewood 56-24 and sits in second place on the league ladder.

In next week's games, Marong and Inglewood clash at Malone Park with both sides hunting their first win, Bridgewater hosts Maiden Gully YCW, Newbridge and Calivil United meet at Riverside Park, and Mitiamo is at home against Bears Lagoon-Serpentine.