By WILL ZWAR - Division 3 Reserves
A NEW season saw two new teams join Division 3 of the WRFL competition, with Sunshine Heights having been relegated to the lower division, while Newport Power played in the senior competition for the first time.
For the Dragons, the debut into the new season started slow, with visitors North Sunshine seeming to be in control of the match and skipped out early to a 26-point lead at quarter time.
The Roadrunners maintained the lead in the second term, despite playing against the scoring end, and held a 13-point lead at the main change.
A much tighter third quarter would see the Roadrunners extend their lead to 19-points, playing a strong defensive game and keeping the Dragons to just one goal.
However, the experience of the Dragons proved to be too good, as they kicked seven goals to just a solitary behind in the final quarter, out running the roadrunners by 29-points.
Matthew Camilleri was the most influential player on the ground, with four goals to start off his year, while Roderick Vella was also influential, kicking a goal and playing well out of the middle.
Meanwhile for the celebrations will have to wait for the Newport Power.
Despite putting in a gallant display in its first outing, they fell 24-points short of the Titans, who will be a serious contender this year.
Parkside flexed their muscles against the Brookers, who kicked just one goal in the match, while the Magpies, who had 15 individual goal scorers went on to win by a massive 203-points.
To close round one, Sanctuary Lakes showed a strong display against Laverton, showing they are on the rebound in 2016, taking the four points with a 62-point belting of Laverton.
This weekend, Newport may have a chance to score their first win, as they host Braybrook in their first home match of the season.
Reigning premiers Wyndham Suns will travel to Sanctuary lakes as they kick off their 2016 campaign, in what should be a quality display of football, with the Sharks eager to make up for a disappointing 2015.
Laverton and North Sunshine will both have an opportunity to take their first win of the year, as both teams will be looking for an early win.
Finally, Parkside will be looking to establish themselves on top of the ladder after a big win, however will have to overcome the Dragons on their way.
Tarneit has the bye this round.
Twitter handle: @zwar_w
Last Modified on 11/04/2016 17:08