Lockington-Bamawm United fell to a close defeat to North Bendigo in round one of Heathcote District Netball League season.
Heathcote District Netball League action returned on Saturday, as Lockington-Bamawm United succumbed to a tough loss to North Bendigo and Leitchville-Gunbower conceded a huge score in a heavy defeat to Mount Pleasant.
Remee Christian contests Rachael Gray’s shot.
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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.
Cat Rebecca Eade looks for a teammate.
Stacy Bacon’s side was valiant in defeat at Lockington Recreation Reserve, going down by 10 goals as North Bendigo prevailed 51-41.
Olivia Watson assesses her options up the court.
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.
Stacy Bacon is a player-coach for LBU this year.
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.
Imogen McKenzie throws a chest pass.
Finishing just above LBU in 2025 was Leitchville-Gunbower, which also won three games, and it was faced with a tough first round opponent in Mount Pleasant, which has its sights on usurping reigning premier Colbinabbin this year.
Rachel Johnson looks to evade the outstretched Remee Christian with her shot.
The Mighty Mounts proved far too strong at Gunbower Recreation Reserve, triumphing 83-24 and recording the highest goals total of the opening round.
LBU coach Stacy Bacon is guarded by Rachel Johnson.
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, as Katie Pollock’s Bombers were left to reflect on a tough start to 2026.
LBU’s Remee Christian throws the pass beyond the outstretched Rachael Gray.
An opportunity to rectify the defeat in round two comes in another home game, this time against Heathcote, a side that only picked up one win last year.
