Tara Murray
South Morang made a winning start to life back in Northern Football League division 2.
Last year’s division 3 premiers, showed they won’t be easy beats, with a first up win against St Mary’s.
Scores were level at the first break, before the Lions kicked four goals to one in the second quarter to lead by 16 points at half time.
The margin increased in the third quarter, with the Lions finishing the four off with their best quarter.
The Lions won 13.14 (92)-6.9 (45).
Lachlan Potter kicked three goals for the Lions and was named best on ground. Josh D’Intinosante, Gary Moorcroft and Mathew Robinson kicked two goals each.
Robinson was one of the other standouts in the win along with Deacon Kalpakis.
In division 1, Bundoora just got across the line against Banyule.
The Bulls jumped out of the blocks with seven to nil first quarter goals and the game looked over.
That margin stayed steady in the second quarter, with the Bulls still holding a 31 point lead at the last break.
Three goals to nil gave the Bears a sniff, but the Bulls had done enough to get the 13.5 (83)-10.15 (75) win.
Recruit Shaun McKernan was best on ground, kicking six goals for the Bulls, Jake Hobbs and Hamish Shepheard were the other standouts.
It was a tough start for Whittlesea, suffering a big loss to Montmorency.
The Eagles led by 10 points at quarter time, before the Magpies took the lead in the second quarter.
The Magpies defence stood up and made it hard for the Eagles to score. The Magpies kicked five goals to nil in the third quarter to lead by 39 points at the last break.
The Magpies were able to run the match out, winning 15.17 (107)-6.5 (41).
Riley Carter and Matthew Atta were the Eagles best.
In division 3, last season’s runner-up Laurimar started the season in strong form.
The Power controlled the game throughout, with 17 scoring shots to three in the first half.
It continued to grow the lead in the second half, winning 15.16 (106)-4.12 (36).
Jacson Cecil kicked five goals for the Power, Cooper Herbert chipped in with three goals.
Cameron Maloney was best on ground for the Power.
Mernda also started its season with a 7.10 (52)-2.10 (22) win against the Old Eltham Collegians.
Lalor had a tough day against the Fitzroy Stars, losing 18.17 (125)-1.5 (11).
