AFTER losing to the Valley Wolves in the final round of the 2021/22 M-League Mixed Premier Division season, the NNE Vipers have struck first blood in the opening round of the new season with an 18-goal victory over the Wolves. Taking to the first time against each other since that last match of the regular season, the Vipers certainly showed plenty of venom to win every quarter and score at least 13 goals in each term on their way to a comfortable 53-35 victory.

In a match where the NNE Vipers looked in control from a scoreboard pressure perspective, the margin was really blown out in the last term. The first three quarters were identical scores of 13-9 each 15 minutes, leading to a 39-27 differential with a term to play. But a 14 goals to eight last stanza ensured the Vipers ran away with the contest, exacting revenge and recording a strong 18-goal win to open their 2022/23 account.

Bridget Ryan was a star in gaol attack, shooting 15 goals in the first half paring up with Alexander Nichols and Michael Dower, before earning a rest in the third term. While she was replaced by Brooke Dadds (11 second half goals) and the likes of Nichols (16 goals) and Dower (11) also stepped up, Ryan showcased her versatility by being thrown into wing defence in the final term. She went head-to-head with Brayden Pastore who had been moved up from the shooting circle into wing attack, after scoring 22 goals in the opening three quarters.

That move could not get the Wolves over the line though, with shooting accuracy and turnovers close to the post a concern for the side. Monique Nagle provided the experience and direction in the front half of the court, but rested herself in the second, and most of the fourth, terms as Nat Billings and Taurin Eimermacher also rotated through that attacking third. The Wolves might not have come away with the points, but Erin Jay was impressive in the back third, applying pressure to the opposition shooters.

Along with the Vipers attack, the defensive setup was also rock solid, as Jessica Maher and Dan King combined really well in the goal circle to constantly put pressure on the opposition, while Charlotte Davies added pressure back there too. Maddi Wallmeyer was able to dish off feeds through the attacking midcourt, as Ben Bruitzman came on for two quarters and provided some hard running for the winners.

Meanwhile, in the grand final rematch, Parkville Panthers sought revenge on Geelong, scoring 57 goals to 53 to come away with the four-goal victory. Incredibly the Panthers kept the same seven on court all game, with Tristan Comans and Elli Leydin controlling the attacking midcourt, and the shooting duo of ex-Vixens and Fever tall Kaylia Stanton teaming up with Jayden Cowling. The Geelong defensive duo of Tim Marshall and Sarah Szczykulski had their work cut out for them against that combination, while Jake Noonan was tireless in midcourt firing it off to an equally talented shooting combination of Julia Woolley and Cameron Allum.

In the closest result of the night Altona Falcons won a thriller against Melbourne Quakes. Lead by the likes of Montana Holmes and Maddison McKiernan in the midcourt and defence respectively, the Falcons too control with Josh Smith (27 goals) and Uneeq Palavi (24) both stepping up. Ronan Pring tried hard all game in goal keeper for the Quakes, while Annabelle Gorman (29 goals) and David Chisholm (26) were busy.

For the Ariels, Kurt Thompson shot 38 goals on his way to dominating the game against the Sonics in a 51-46 victory. Alongside Thompson, Ryan Towers was a standout in centre, with Jemma Osborne providing strong support in goal attack. Rebecca Anstey was the best of the Sonics playing in goal defence, while Jack Carpenter (30 goals) did the heavy lifting in goal shooter, coming on after quarter time.