First of the field events was the hammer throw in which Eaglehawk's Olivia Graham hit a mark of 50.69 metres to break the open record.

Read more: Bailey Edwards, Chrissy James top Maryborough club awards

The previous best of 48.53m was achieved by Roxanne Kellow from Bendigo Harriers on January 12, 2013.

It was a great start by Graham and her Hawks' club-mates, who have moved to the top flight of premier division for the 2021-22 season.

In the hurdles action, South Bendigo's Trudy Haines charged to victory in the 300m in a time of 67.25 seconds to break her 50-plus record of 70.13 set on March 13 this year.

The 'have a go' attitude of Haines is reflected by many athletes in the 50-plus division and above.

South Bendigo's fab four of Carol Coad, Joan Self, Annette Curtis and Peta Dawe ran the 4 x 100m relay in a time of 1:17.86 to set a Centre record for the 60-plus division.

They broke the mark of 1:27.9 set by Eaglehawk's Wendy Ennor, Barb Bryant, Barb Cornell and Kathryn Heagney on December 16, 2017.

This season, South Bendigo will fight to regain its place in premier division.

More sport:

A fierce battle for the Bloods involves Bendigo Harriers, who earned promotion after being number two in division three last season.

The in-form Oliver Muggleton won the A-grade 200m in 23.76 and followed up by taking out the non-scoring 100m in 11.78.

Other standout performers for South Bendigo included Rhys Lias, 800m in 2:05.53.

Among the stars for the Harriers in the season opener were Liam Shadbolt, 1.75m at high jump; Jake Gavriliadis, 51.50m at discus.

The first of the 200m heats was a great duel between Harriers clubmates Caitlin Evans, 28.14, and Abbey Conquer, 28.15.

Other news: Bendigo Trans and Gender Diverse Clothing Swap supports people in the region

Those to perform well for Eaglehawk included William Beaton, 400m hurdles; Claire Noonan, 1500m walk; Andrea Archibald, 100m; Denise Snyder, 1.60m at high jump and 5.08m at long jump; Craig Graham, 31.51m at hammer; and Lachlan Start, 6.03m at long jump.

The Hawks' line-up of William Beaton, Lachlan Start, Cameron Smith and Angus McKindlay won the non-scoring 4 x 100m relay in 47.27 seconds.

Distance runs were taken out by Shepparton's Glenn McMillan, 5000m; and invitation athlete Genevieve Nihill, 3000m.

Saturday's meet drew 120 competitors and included athletes from Athletics Chilwell, Athletics Essendon, Preston, Ringwood and Shepparton.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: