GISBORNE has opened its BFNL netball season in style with a convincing 20-goal win over an ultra-competitive Strathfieldsaye.
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The Bulldogs, who were coached in a home and away season match for the first time by Tarryn Rymer, overcame a determined Storm to win 55-35.
While much of the round one focus was on rivals Kangaroo Flat, which was debuting several big-name recruits, and to a lesser extent reigning premiers Sandhurst after a big win the week before, Gisborne got back to business with a characteristic steady and dependable performance.
Echoing the thoughts of most coaches after round one, Rymer said the victory was an actual bonus to being back on court following last year's cancelled season due to COVID-19.
"The girls really connected well together and it was a great game for the first hit-out in so long," she said.
"Strath is a good team and quite a new-look side ... it was good to see our young players step up and play well.
"When I was asked to give our best player at the end of the game, it was such a good team effort all around the court that it was hard to single one player out.
"It was a very positive start to the season and I'm sure the girls thought that too. It really felt good just to be out there on the court."
With star goal shooter Clare Vearing sidelined for the first few rounds with an ankle injury, Tazma Morris stepped up from A-reserve to be a major contributor in the goal circle, alongside newcomer Ella Finemore.
Rymer said Finemore, a cousin of Vearing's, showed she would be a tremendous asset with a strong first-up performance.
"For two people who hadn't played together before, Ella and Tazma looked like they had been playing for years in goals together," she said.
"Tazma, in particular, really stepped up to the mark against a tough opponent."
It was a second-straight loss for the Storm, who fell to Sandhurst the previous week, but with a young and developing side taking the court, progress should come quickly for Steph Freemantle's side following consecutive clashes against two of the competition's big guns.
Meanwhile, Kyneton survived a tough fight on its home court against Golden Square to prevail by seven-goals.
The Tigers, led by midcourter Brooke Mangan and shooters Tegan Beckerley and Tay Durham, defeated a gallant Bulldogs 38-31.
Kyneton was coached for the first time by Tylah Marchbank, while Benita Swatton took charge of a young Golden Square, also for the first time.
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