THE Victorian Netball League kicked off for 2024 last night, with some very intriguing results across the five matches.

Express exact revenge for Grand Final heartbreak.

The Boroondara Express have exacted some revenge for last season’s Grand Final heartbreak, defeating the City West Falcons by a singular goal to kick of their 2024 campaign in the most positive way.

The Express actually got out to a decent start, but as the game progressed the scoreboard began to tighten. The Falcons made a late comeback and almost rescued a draw before one late goal sealed the result for the Express.

Warriors enter proceedings with a bang

The Western Warriors made their presence felt in their debut game, defeating the Peninsula Waves by 17 goals.

The Warriors were on top early, racing ahead to a nine goal lead in the first quarter and did not look back from there. They gradually grew their lead every quarter to ultimately come away with the dream result from their debut.

No beginner’s luck for the Strikers

The VNL Championship’s other new side the Bendigo Strikers did not have as much like, comfortably beaten by the Southern Saints.

Things actually started out a lot closer, with the Saints only leading by one goal at the first change. However, the Saints took control in the second term and gave themselves a bit of breathing room, and although the Strikers fought back a little in the third term it was to no avail as the Saints asserted control and showed their experience to storm away in the last term.

Hawks make statement with massive win

The Hawks started their 2024 campaign with a huge statement, downing the Melbourne University Lightning by 26 goals.

Things started out a lot closer, with the margin only three goals at the first change, but the Hawks were able to assert some momentum in the second term, going on scoring runs and extending their lead out in the second term and streaking ahead from there.

Casey also records confidence boosting win

The Casey Demons also recorded a massive win, but in a different way. They defeated Geelong by three goals to perhaps show the competition that they might finally make a jump up the ladder in 2024.

The lead was small early, but crucially for the Dees the lead was two goals in their favour at half time. Casey then came out and grew the lead slightly in the third term, which meant that even though Geelong won the final term, it was too little too late.

VNL Championship – Round 1 Results

Hawks Netball (63) defeated Melbourne University (37)

Casey Demons (59) defeated Geelong Cougars (56)

Western Warriors (67) defeated Peninsula Waves (50)

Boroondara Express (58) defeated City West Falcons (57)

Southern Saints (54) defeated Bendigo Strikers (41)