The River Rats have had a stranglehold over the women’s competition in recent seasons and the opening round didn’t show any indication 2026 will be the year they give it up.
The side started its campaign with a dominant victory over Shepparton Youth Club, prevailing 6-1 at Shepparton Regional Hockey Complex to surge straight to the top of the four-team ladder.
The women’s squad battles Mooroopna, again in Shepparton, next week.
The men’s side didn’t fare so well in its season opener, downed 7-0 by Shepparton Youth Club Yellow.
In the now combined A and B competition, the club takes on Strikers Blue this Sunday.
In the junior ranks, both sides had difficult introductions to the new season.
The under-16s fell 11-0, while the under-13s went down 5-0, both matches against Goulburn Valley Grammar School.
In Hockey Central Victoria, Castlemaine, a side made up of Echuca-Moama players, returned to action after a month’s hiatus, but was well beaten 7-0 at Bendigo Hockey Centre by Sandhurst.
The side next takes on Strathdale Tigers this Sunday.
24°C