Tallygaroopna and Stanhope faced off in a close one at the home of the Redlegs, in which the home team finished the day with a 36-27 win.
When asked about the result, coach Tamara Lane went straight into her team’s defensive prowess that led it to victory.
“We had great defensive pressure all over the court,” Lane said.
“The midcourt put on some great pressure and caused some turnovers.”
Tallygaroopna was able to get out of the blocks quickly, establishing a lead at quarter-time, but Stanhope was up for the fight after the quarter-time address.
A see-sawing affair for most of the day, Lane was impressed with her team’s ability to finish strong.
“We sort of set it up in the first quarter, we set up a bit of a lead and we were able to build on that in the last,” Lane said.
“In the middle two quarters we just sort of held it, they did come back at us a little bit, but we were definitely able to run it out in the last quarter for a good win.”
It was a far cry from their previous meeting in 2024, when Stanhope dominated in a 42–22 result in round six.
But on Saturday, it was Tallygaroopna that looked the fresher, more composed side — even with new faces still slotting in.
“There’s still plenty to work on,” Lane said.
“The combinations will take a bit of time to settle. We’ve brought in some new shooters and brought a girl up from B-grade, so it’s just about getting those combinations right.”
Despite neither side playing finals last year — Stanhope finished sixth and Tallygaroopna ninth — there was a strong sense of determination from both benches to start the new year with intent.
Tallygaroopna’s youth, particularly in the midcourt, impressed Lane.
“That’s going to be a real test for the young girls in midcourt,” Lane said, looking ahead to their Shepparton East match-up this week.
“We’re definitely up for the challenge, but we’re not thinking we’re going to break the world apart. I’d love to beat them, don’t get me wrong, but it’s going to be tough.”
For Lane, there was plenty to like in her team’s ability to adapt and respond when challenged.
“There were a few sections where it just went up and down the court without anyone scoring, plenty of turnovers both ways,” she said.
“But I was absolutely stoked with the win for the day.”
Girgarre started its premiership defence with a resounding 70-20 victory against an at-home Murchison-Toolamba.
Shepparton East also flexed its muscle, handing out 72-18 drubbing to Undera.
Lancaster won comfortably against Merrigum, with a final score of 43-27, while Avenel defended its home court with a satisfying 61-35 over Longwood.
Violet Town and Nagambie fought out the only other close result.
The Towners were able to hold on to a 46-42 result away from home, while Rushworth started the 2025 season with a bye.
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