THE Hamilton Kangaroos broke through to claim their first Hampden Footbal Netball League (HFNL) Open win of the season on Saturday.

The Kangaroos hosted Terang Mortlake and got out to an early lead, dominating possession to go into the first change of ends ahead, 13-7.

Hamilton’s control of the game continued after the break, as the blue and white repeated their efforts to score another 13 goals and go into half time ahead by nine goals.

The Bloods had no answers in the second half, as the home side continued to control the game and went on to record a 50-38 victory.

Kellie Sommerville returned from injury and was named the Kangaroos’ best, while Kelsey Lewis top-scored for the home team with 29 goals.

Emma Sommerville also returned from injury, while Leesa Iredell played her first game of the season in the win.

Kangaroos coach, Nat O’Dea said it was important to put in a strong performance and build some winning momentum.

“It is everything, the girls needed it, there is no feeling like a win,” she said.

“The girls have had a massive pre-season, there was a massive build-up and with everything that has happened, you can’t beat this feeling.

“I think they were just so determined to win, to get the monkey of their back.

“We had to have a good win and have good strong play and we did today.”

The squad was still missing some key players including Rhianne Lewis, who was set to play but sat out the game with the flu.

O’Dea put Ella Sevior and Indiana Ryan into defence late in the game and was pleased with how the combination worked.

“They are young and completely inexperienced, this was only Ella’s second game in defence, and she is 15, and Indi started in goals in Div 1 and finished in defence knowing Raz wouldn’t be playing and played two full games,” O’Dea said.

“Em (Sommerville) only played a half and Raz didn’t play at all and there is our usual defence.”

Having Iredell back helped steady the defence and O’Dea said the experience helped support the two younger defenders.

“Leesa is such a leader, she is so steady and that is exactly what we needed with those young girls in defence, to have Leesa in WD and Kellie in C to guide them,” she said.

“It helps, especially when you can move the positions and players around.

“It was always the plan of attack when selecting the squad was the flexibility and now that we can move those players without hesitation is amazing.”