The Cats came up against a strong Hawks outfit, with the hosts falling 22 goals short.
Despite a valiant effort, the Hawks were too classy, defeating LBU 52-30.
Both sides finished outside the finals last season, the Cats in seventh and Huntly in eighth.
The win will serve as an affirmation that the Hawks can play finals netball this time around, while the Cats will look to find form when it takes on a tough Mount Pleasant outfit in its second home game of the season thus far.
Elmore vs North Bendigo
The Bloods sneaked away with a win over the Bulldogs despite strong resistance from North Bendigo throughout the contest.
Elmore claimed a five-goal win over last season’s wooden spooners who were hungry to start 2025 in better shape.
Last season’s A-grade premier showed it is every bit the threat to repeat its 2024 grand final glory, getting the job done 36-31.
The Bloods will play their first home game in round two when it faces White Hills on Saturday, April 26. Centre pass is scheduled for 4pm,
Mount Pleasant vs Heathcote
Mount Pleasant also got an early victory under its belt except in much more exuberant fashion, berating the Saints at Colbinabbin Recreation Reserve.
The Mighty Mounts stormed through the contest to claim a 37-goal victory, with Heathcote unable to provide any answers.
Mount Pleasant is looking to climb the HDNL ranks this season and is off to a flying start, punishing the Saints, who made the elimination final in 2024.
The final score was Mount Pleasant 61 to Heathcote 24.
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