It proved a tough first outing for Violet Town, though, as they were met by the full force of a rampaging Nagambie at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, falling to a 2.2 (14) to 26.26 (182) defeat.
Despite the final scoreline, the Towners were well and truly in the contest at quarter time, that was thanks to some inaccurate kicking in front of goal from the Lakers, who led 4.7 (31) to Violet Town’s 1.1 (7).
Unfortunately from there the Towners proved no match, however, as the goals came more frequently, if only marginally more accurately, in the second term, as the Lakers piled on the scoreboard pressure, keeping Violet Town scoreless for the quarter while adding 7.6 of their own to extend the margin out to 72 points as they entered the rooms at half time.
The second half was a continuation of the second term as Violet Town were kept scoreless yet again in the third quarter, while the Lakers repeated the dose of 7.6 as the margin ballooned dangerously beyond 100, the Towners trailing by 120 heading into the final break, and there was still more pain to come.
While Violet Town managed to double its score in the final term to finish with 2.2 (14) for the contest, the home side had the scoreboard operator working overtime as they managed a whopping 8.7 for the final quarter to condemn the Towners to the eventual 168-point loss.
Assisstant coach Pat Horsburgh was named the Towners’ best in the loss, with James Herring, Jeffrey Hardy Vogae, Adam Pummeroy, Damian Kefford and Nathan Abley also valiant in defeat, while Nathan Robinson and Angus Wood were the two goalkickers.
The Towners will regroup ahead of their first home game of the season this weekend when they host Girgarre at Violet Town Recreation Reserve, with Sean Horsburgh’s men no doubt keen to redeem themselves with a solid showing.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Murchison-Toolamba kicked off its premiership defence in fine fashion, defeating Merrigum 27.13 (175) to 10.2 (62), Shepparton East made a winning start with a 76-point victory over Tallygaroopna, prevailing 17.16 (118) to 6.6 (42), while Longwood was too good for Undera in a 21.11 (137) to 13.9 (87) victory.
Sunday afternoon saw Stanhope claim a strong 16.10 (106) to 9.12 (66) victory over Rushworth, while Girgarre and Lancaster faced off at Girgarre Recreation Reserve, with the Wombats recording a 16.15 (111) to 3.8 (26) win.
