Stanhope has started its Kyabram District Netball League season with consecutive defeats.
Stanhope is without victory two games into its Kyabram District Netball League season after suffering a heavy loss to Nagambie at Nagambie Recreation Reserve.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Lions had a bye last week after being on the end of a 27-goal defeat to Rushworth to begin their season, while Nagambie had split its opening two matches.
Playing its first away match of the season, Stanhope was outmatched against the side that finished third last year, going down 55-25.
The result means the Lions have made a less than ideal start to their season, particularly when they would undoubtedly want to break into the finals mix in 2026, having hovered around the top six in recent seasons.
Stanhope is one of only three sides to be winless through two matches, along with Girgarre and Undera, though it has faced two challenging opponents, with Rushworth and Nagambie both sitting in the top three.
In the other game that took place over the weekend, Avenel made it two wins from two to start its season by cruising to a 56-35 win over Murchison-Toolamba.
The nine sides that served a bye over the Anzac Day weekend will be back on the courts in round four on Saturday.
Stanhope has an opportunity to notch a first win in a local clash with Girgarre, the Kangaroos also winless despite being last year’s runner-up, this game taking place at Stanhope Recreation Reserve from 2.15pm.
At the same time, and not far away at Rushworth Recreation Reserve, Rushworth will be looking for a third successive win to start its season, though it will be tested against a Shepparton East side that is aiming to do likewise.
Sitting on top of the ladder, Rushworth will aim to make it three wins on the bounce against Shepparton East this weekend.
The only other 2.15pm game this weekend will see Merrigum travel to face Violet Town at Violet Town Recreation Reserve, with Blynda Tranter’s plucky Bulldogs outfit looking to build on an unbeaten start to 2026.
In the early game on Saturday, starting at 11.15am, Lancaster hosts Longwood at Lancaster Recreation Reserve, both sides searching for a second win of the season.
There will also be two matches starting at 11.45am, with Undera being another local side eyeing a first win of its campaign when it faces Murchison-Toolamba at Murchison Recreation Reserve, while Tallygaroopna will host Avenel at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve.
16°C