Lockington-Bamawm United fell to a close defeat to North Bendigo in round one of Heathcote District Netball League season. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Heathcote District Netball League action returned on Saturday, with round one delivering a mix of blowouts and well-fought contests.
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Reigning premier Colbinabbin picked up where it left off in 2025, Lockington-Bamawm United succumbed to a tough defeat to North Bendigo and Mount Pleasant racked up a huge score against Leitchville-Gunbower.
RESULTS
Round one
Elmore35 lost to Colbinabbin 71
Lockington Bamawm United41 lost to North Bendigo 51
Leitchville-Gunbower 24 lost to Mount Pleasant 83
White Hills 47 d Huntly 38
Colbo entered its new campaign following a perfect season last time out, ready to set the benchmark for the competition against an Elmore side looking to reach its level.
Remee Christian contests Rachael Gray’s shot.
In the end, Jen McIntrye’s rampant A-grade outfit sent out a statement to the rest of its competition, doubling the Bloods’ score to win 71-35.
Cat Rebecca Eade looks for a teammate.
The Grasshoppers continue to keep moving the needle to stay ahead of their chasing pack, the winning streak being extended for another week, while Elmore was handed an immediate reality check.
Olivia Watson assesses her options up the court.
Up next, Colbo travels to take on another potential finals outfit in North Bendigo, while Elmore can take some time to reflect on a tough defeat with the bye in round two.
LBU vs North Bendigo
Stacy Bacon is a player-coach for LBU this year.
With only three wins last season, LBU went into its round one opener with North Bendigo ready to attack 2026 with a close-knit group, facing a Bulldogs side who just missed out on finals last time out.
Imogen McKenzie throws a chest pass.
Stacy Bacon’s side was valiant in defeat at Lockington Recreation Reserve, going down by 10 goals as North Bendigo prevailed 51-41.
Rachel Johnson looks to evade the outstretched Remee Christian with her shot.
Given LBU lost its matches against the Bulldogs by 21 and 33 goals respectively in 2025, its round one performance may be a sign that an improved season is on the way this time around.
Annalesa Turner takes the shot while contested by two defenders.
The Cats take on a strong White Hills side away from home in round two, the fixture being another yardstick to measure improvement against a preliminary finalist from last year.
Leitchville-Gunbower vs Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant has its sights on usurping Colbo in 2026, and its first opportunity to put runs on the board in the premiership race came against a Leitchville-Gunbower side which tallied only three wins in 2025.
LBU coach Stacy Bacon is guarded by Rachel Johnson.
Anthea McCleary’s mighty Mounts met expectations in scintillating fashion at Gunbower Recreation Reserve, triumphing 83-24 and recording the highest goals total of the opening round.
It was also the most number of goals one of the league’s A-grade sides has scored in a match since round 16 last year, when Colbo netted 86 against White Hills.
LBU’s Remee Christian throws the pass beyond the outstretched Rachael Gray.
That is the team Mount Pleasant is chasing, and its next opportunity to prove why it is the real deal this year will come against Huntly in round two.
The Hawks fell to White Hills in the other game in round one, going down in a tight contest as the Demons prevailed 47-38.
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