The Rovers took the points in a 31-27 win.
In the other games, Picola United defeated Tungamah by six goals, 34 to 28, Strathmerton started its pursuit of back-to-back flags with a 10-goal win (36-26) over Katunga, Jerilderie was too good for Mathoura, winning 40 to 26, and Waaia (57-15) and Katamatite (68-26) recorded big wins over Blighty and Rennie respectively.
Reigning premier Strathmerton struggled early and had to turn around a seven-goal deficit to take home victory.
“We had a slow first quarter, but we were able to work on a few things at quarter-time and put them in to play on court and it worked in our favour,” coach Caitlyn Price said.
“Being a new side you want to get your combinations going early and we backed in each other as a team.
“Our persistence shone through considering we were down by seven.
“We kept pushing as we knew we weren’t out of it.
“That was promising.”
Price said the new faces in the team meant there was no extra pressure on them as the premiership team from 2019.
“We have a few new ones who weren't part of the premiership, so it's a fresh start going into 2021,” she said.
Price said her defence right across the court stood out, but picked out two players who were key to the comeback.
“Yesterday, Liv Osborne, who is a defender, and Grace Thompson who was our wing attack, they were very dominant,” Price said.
“Grace started our attack and a had a stellar four-quarter performance, which got us across the line.”
Picola United coach Emma Greaves said overall it was a positive start to the season.
“We had some really good patches of play and scrappy patches as well, but you'd expect that after a year off,” Greaves said.
“Overall it was promising, the girls gelled together well.
“Our defenders were fantastic yesterday and our midcourt and shooting combinations worked well too.”
Greaves praised her team's defence, which restricted Tungamah to 28 goals.
“Holly Chalker and Jess Beaton were named our two best and Kim McPherson was up there as well,” she said.
Tocumwal had the bye.
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