An opening-round victory is the perfect way to begin life as a coach according to Dookie United's first-year mentor Maddison Owen.
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The Thunder toughed out a gruelling round-one victory over Shepparton East as Kyabram District League A-grade netball action roared back to life.
United walked away with a narrow 43-39 win against their old foe at Central Park Reserve.
“It was the perfect way to begin. It's always a nice feeling to get the win in the first game of a season,” Owen said.
“I was really proud of the performance from everyone, we were able to gel as a team which is always great.”
It was a tight tussle right from the start.
Both sides did not give an inch in the first term, with United able to edge out the Eagles by two goals.
Dookie's midcourter Georgie O'Connor and goaler Brooke Burness starred in the second term - and throughout the entire match - as the Thunder extended their lead out to six at half time.
A superb 11-goal fightback in the third term by East spiced up the contest to fiery heights.
That left United leading by three goals at the last break, but a brave effort in the last quarter saw Owen's charges hang on.
“We really wanted to play our style and I felt like we dictated the play for most of the game,” the United coach said.
“But it was a tough game. There were no easy possessions.
“We were able to settle in the second term and then East fought back in the third. Before the last quarter I said, ‘let's back to playing our style’ and to the girls’ credit they did.”
● Nagambie kicked its season off with a gritty win over close rivals Avenel.
The Lakers edged out Avenel 47-43.
● Violet Town started its campaign with a bang against Ardmona.
The Towners - led by goalers Abbie Ellis and Imy Law - powered past the Bush Cats and recorded a 62-21 win.
● Sarah West started her coaching career at Rushworth in stellar fashion.
The Tigers clawed past Undera by six goals in the 47-41 victory.
● Girgarre cruised to a 15-goal win over Lancaster, Murchison-Toolamba saluted by 27 goals Longwood and Tallygaroopna overcame Merrigum by 20.
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