Premiers hang on

Charlee Duff-Tytler in action for Gisborne. Photo: Angela Crawford

In a high-quality encounter, Gisborne A-grade netballers pushed reigning premier Kangaroo Flat all the way at the weekend.

The opening round match at Gardiner Reserve was a crowd pleaser, with the visitors desperate to defend their unbeaten record from the 2025 season.

Equally, the Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne side had a point to prove.

The Bulldogs included former Woodend-Hesket star Charlee Duff-Tytler in their lineup, but former Kyneton defender Tilly Shepherd did not make her debut with the ‘Dogs.

Kangaroo Flat was pleased to secure a three-goal victory, 42-39. Both teams have their eyes on the finals even at this early stage.

Other match scores were:

A-Reserve — Gisborne won 56-51; B-grade — Gisborne won 49-39; B-Reserve — Kangaroo Flat won 42-35; 17&Under — Gisborne 64 d Kangaroo Flat 47.