THE Hamilton Kangaroos’ Open team travelled to Cobden to open its 2024 campaign, going down by 33 goals on Saturday.

The Bombers are one of the premiership fancies, and with the Kangaroos taking four debutants into the game, it was going to take a mighty effort from the visitors to notch up a round one win.

The visitors trailed by four goals at the first change of ends and 10 goals by half time, before losing, 29-62, at the final whistle.

 “The scoreboard to me didn’t really reflect the game that much, the girls did really well then we let it blow out which is a bit disappointing,” Roos coach, Emma Sommerville said.

“We are definitely still working through the combinations, that is the first time we’ve had everyone playing together, we haven’t had any trainings or practice games with everyone until today.

“I am really happy with so many juniors and debutants coming through, we knew it would be a tough day, but it is promising for the club and hopefully we can keep building on that.”

Cobden skipper, Emily Finch, was instrumental in the result, putting up 41 of her team’s 62 goals.

Creating turnovers and transition into goals proved tough for the visitors, with midcourter, Grace Cleaver, missing the opening round.

“The centre court was probably a tough challenge, we did use the rolling subs a bit to test a few things out,” Sommerville said.

“It was tricky to slow it down, there was quite a few things I asked girls to work on and they responded during the game.

“It was great to get everyone on the court, and to get Sas (Saskia Gould) in the ring, it was good to see her potential on show.”

Gould finished with eight goals, while Ella Sevior put up nine on her captaincy debut, with Clare Crawford adding 12.

Mimi Chun was named the Roos’ best, with Ryan and Crawford also impressing.

Having Mim (in defence) and Maddox in the WD, they played well and Mim has stepped up really well and gives 110 per cent all day,” Sommerville said.

“Defensively, we haven’t got much structure yet, so we are just playing one on one.”

No injuries from the game means Sommerville can take the same side into this weekend’s clash against Camperdown at Hawkesdale Recreation Reserve.

Senior divisions

DIVISION 1 saw the Roos fall to the Bombers, 35-38, off the back of Crawford’s 20 goals, with the experienced player doing double duty on Saturday.

Rhianne Lewis, Holly Rook and Gail Hiatt were named the Kangaroos’ best.

The Kangaroos got the win in Division 2, holding off the Bombers to win, 35-31.

Tahlia Ross started the season off with a 25-goal haul for the blue and white, with Caitlin Urquhart named the Roos’ best.

Hamilton’s Division 3 team also opened the season with a win, with a strong second half setting up the 31-26 victory.

Lily Raymond (11 goals) and Molly Sevior (10 goals) led the scoring for the Kangaroos, with Raymond, Skye Kissel and Ruby Lang the standouts for the visitors.

Juniors

THE 17-and-Under Roos fell to Cobden, 20-46, with Bridget Mailes (16 goals) starting the season well alongside Imogen Thomas.

Hamilton’s 15-and-Under team thumped the Bombers, 50-9, with Lucy Jennings (22 goals) and Gould (18 goals) leading the way.

The Roos’ 15-and-Under Reserves had a 28-21 win, the 13-and-Under side won, 28-13, and the 13-and-Under Reserves fell agonisingly short, losing 13-14 to Cobden.