After forfeiting all of its A Grade matches in 2023, Kaniva-Leeor United is a surprise Horsham District ladder leader following round one, thanks to a dominant win against Natimuk United on Saturday.

The Cougars stifled the young Ewes from the opening quarter, with captain Nikki Hawker and goal keeper Melody Maddern holding Natimuk United goalies Simone Skratek and Danielle Hanson to only five combined scores.

Hawker shifted to goal attack in the second quarter, where she played a supporting role to Cougars shooter Blair Burke, who dominated with 37 goals. Ewe Beth Sudholz tried her best to contain Burke, while midcourter Tahlia Dufty worked hard, but Natimuk United was outgunned.

The Ewes will regroup before facing Taylors Lake this weekend, while the Cougars turn their attention to Swifts.

The Baggies were no match for Kalkee in round one, losing 55-29, but can hang their hat on a third quarter that saw them outscore the Kees nine goals to seven.

Kalkee defender Penny Fisher got the best of Swifts goal attack Michaela Armer, 13 goals, while Kees goal keeper Lotus Martin similarly restricted Rebbekkah Seeary, 16 goals. Best for the Baggies were midcourters Lisa Monaghan and Isabella Robson.

The Lakers also had a first-up loss against a new-look Edenhope-Apsley.

While many expected the Saints to slip down the standings following the loss of nearly all of their premiership team from 2023, they overcame the spirited Lakers to win 53-43 at Dock Lake Reserve.

Lavina Fox was a clear standout for the Saints with 41 goals, while goal attack Tahlia Sailor battled hard against Laker Chloe Kelm in an entertaining match-up.

Captain Tayla Eltze led the way for Taylors Lake with 29 goals, toggling between goal attack and goal shooter.

The Saints face a tough test in round two as they take on the in-form Noradjuha-Quantong, which made short work of Harrow-Balmoral to win 58-33 at the weekend.

Holly Nuske dominated in the midcourt for the Bombers, while defender Brooke Pay restricted opponents Tara McIntyre and Emily Langley to a combined 14 goals.

Harrow-Balmoral goal defence Megan Little was her team’s best performer, with Febey McClure playing across the court during the contest.

The final match of the round saw Laharum dismantle Pimpinio 71-33.

Laharum’s status as a pre-season flag favourite was given a boost, with goal shooter Caitlin Story, 41 goals, and goal attack Maddi Iredell, 30, each dominating, while defender Ema Iredell smothered Pimpinio’s Jayde Ellis and captain Oliva Jones was everywhere.

Keeper Steph Runciman was named best for the Tigers, whose task gets no easier this week as they play another pre-season flag fancy, Rupanyup, fresh from a bye.

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