The Blues laboured to seventh place in the league ladder last year, with newly-installed head coach Jon Varcoe tasked with bringing the good times back to Picola Recreation Reserve after leading his side to back-to-back premierships in 2016 and 2017.
In a statement of intent in front of a home crowd, United overcame a determined Rennie outfit 16.16 (112) to 9.2 (56) in a victory that will reverberate around the grounds.
The hosts led 5.6 (36) to 4.1 (25) at quarter time and extended that margin to 8.11 (59) to 5.2 (32) by the main break but Rennie’s accuracy ensured they remained a threat.
Even into the third term, the contest had a competitive edge and Blues pushed ahead to 11.13 (79) to 7.2 (44) at the final change.
Varcoe’s charges were generating far more opportunities, though, and by the final quarter that weight of inside 50s and repeat entries finally paid dividends as they secured a hard-fought victory.
In a spirited showing, Jack Hutchin starred with seven goals in a Player of the Match performance, while the Blues’ overall control of play was reflected in their 32 scoring shots.
While that clash provided the most intrigue, the rest of the round largely went to script, with several contenders flexing their muscle to build upon strong showings in the opening two rounds of the competition.
Berrigan sit atop the ladder after a ruthless 23.25 (163) to 0.1 (1) demolition of Mathoura, underlining their early premiership credentials.
Waaia were equally dominant, piling on 26.21 (177) in a crushing win over Katunga, who managed just 2.1 (13).
Meanwhile, Deni Rovers continued their strong start with an 18.6 (114) to 8.11 (59) victory over Blighty, showcasing both efficiency and attacking power.
Katamatite also kept pace with the early league pacesetters, putting Tocumwal 19.12 (126) to 10.12 (72) to the sword in a solid four-quarter performance.
Elsewhere, Strathmerton proved too consistent for Dookie United, running out 12.6 (78) to 5.7 (37) winners, while Tungamah edged out Katandra in one of the tighter contests of the round, 15.8 (98) to 12.9 (81).
Barooga rounded out the results with a commanding 21.5 (131) to 7.8 (50) win over Jerilderie, leaving their record blemished and keeping themselves firmly in the mix among the competition’s early frontrunners.
With three rounds complete, Berrigan, Waaia, Deni Rovers, Picola United and Barooga remain faultless in the infancy of this campaign, with Katandra and Katamatite also forming part of this leading pack of potential title chasers.
In the PDL netball stakes, round three of Senior A Grade season saw Picola United lead the way with a strong 38–28 win over Rennie, while Tungamah held off Katandra 47–39 in one of the more competitive match-ups of the round.
Katamatite proved too solid for Tocumwal, winning 44–36, and Barooga comfortably defeated Jerilderie 41–36, while Berrigan secured a 36–30 victory over Mathoura.
In addition, Deni Rovers were far too strong for Blighty, cruising to an emphatic 90–7 result.
Strathmerton also fell to a 56–24 defeat against Dookie United as Waaia rounded out the round with a 24–12 victory over Katunga.
