The Bulldogs had a blistering start in the opening stanza to be up at quarter-time, but went into the main break down by a goal.
Strathmerton mentor Olivia Osborne said the second term was a slower one.
“I think we got a bit complacent and assumed because we were flying in the first quarter it would keep going,” she said.
“Katunga are a good side and they came back at us in the second quarter. It was a tough game, real physical.
“Credit to Katunga, they didn’t take their foot off the gas.”
Osborne rallied the troops at half-time, trying to get the one-percenters which had slipped away in the second term back on deck and to “match the physicality” of their opponents in red and white.
“We were stopping a bit short leading on to the ball, with passes not getting to teammates,” she said.
“Kate Betson was really good, as one of our experienced players she had a strong voice at either end and as one of our older heads that was really important, because we’re a bit younger at each end.”
Midcourter Kara O’Sullivan was also among the Bulldogs’ best in Osborne’s eyes, while former Bears goaler Georgia Kerr also stood up in the tight contest.
The weather worked in Strathmerton’s favour, with the rain and wind staying away during the clash at Katunga to help the Bulldogs get their second win from two starts in 2023.
“It helped us considering we haven’t played together much yet, we’re all still learning how we play, so if you threw in some weather it might have made it a bit harder,’’ she said.
“It’s really exciting, we weren’t sure how we’d do to open the season, so hopefully we can keep building.”
Around the courts, Yarroweyah backed up its drought-breaking victory in round one with a second consecutive win.
After waiting 1436 days between their previous two A-grade triumphs, the Hoppers only had to wait two weeks this time around after prevailing against Berrigan 33-27 on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Katamatite couldn’t keep pace with Rennie, losing 20-41 on its home deck, while Waaia thumped Blighty 48-18 on the Redlegs’ own deck.
Deniliquin Rovers were too strong for Katandra, running out a 35-31 winner over the border, while Tungamah and Mathoura also recorded wins.
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