Nhill A Grade netballers opened their 2026 account with a win over Southern Mallee Thunder, while last year’s grand finalists Horsham Saints and Horsham Demons posted strong wins.

Round one of Wimmera league netball was completed at the weekend after Ararat defeated Stawell on Good Friday to start the season.

Nhill, who recorded just three wins in 2025, scored a three-goal victory over the Thunder, who come into this season with a new-look team after several personnel changes.

The Tigers held a three-goal lead at quarter-time and half-time before edging it out to five goals in the third term, before closing out the match 43-40.

Kristy Alexander and Zara Polkinghorne starred for Nhill, while Connie Rule and Phoebe Bigham were named best for the Thunder.

While Nhill has a bye, the Thunder will now look to round two, where they take on Minyip-Murtoa who went down to Horsham Demons 35-62.

The Demons led at every change, as defending duo Georgia Batson and Ebonie Salter shone.

Batson played at goal-defence – a change to her usual goal-attack position where she played last year – allowing coach Georgie Carberry to play in goals with Imogen Worthy.

Burras’ goalers Jenna Schneider and Claudia Griffiths were named best for their side.

Horsham Saints cruised to a 72-34 victory over Warrack Eagles, never really matched on the scoreboard.

Consistent performers Ashlee Grace, in centre, and Jorja Clode, who played goal-shooter for most of the match but stepped out of the goal circle to play goal-attack in the last quarter, led the way for the Saints.

The 2025 premiers go into this season with mostly the same team, albeit with Lena Marshman replacing Abby Hallam into the goal-attack position, while juniors Olivia Taylor and Lani King are also in the squad.

For Warrack Eagles, midcourter Maddie Okely and defender Isabella Orszulak were impressive.

The Saints will have the week off before their annual Anzac Day match against the Demons on April 25, while this Saturday the Eagles host Stawell, Dimboola plays its first game of the season against Ararat, and the Thunder hosts Minyip-Murtoa.

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