Playing at Highgate Recreation Reserve in Craigieburn, the Pioneers prevailed by 10 points, 9.7 (61) to 7.9 (51), over the Tasmania Devils in their opening fixture.
After building a one-goal lead in the first quarter, the points dried up somewhat for the Pioneers in the second, allowing Tasmania to take a single-point advantage into the half.
Three goals to one in the third got the Pioneers back on top (7.4) 46 to 5.7 (37) at the final change and they were able to hold on to that lead to score an opening day victory.
Local Cody Walker kicked one goal for the Pioneers and was named among the best in the contest, while Echuca Football Netball Club product Darby Jones also kicked a major.
Tongala’s Jessie Johnstone also suited up on the opening day for the Pioneers.
It was a less auspicious start for the under-16 Pioneers, who were handily defeated by GWV Rebels 10.14 (74) to 3.6 (24) in their first fixture.
A goalless first half for Bendigo put it well behind the pace and the Rebels didn’t let up in the second, effectively closing out the game.
Echuca’s Liam Beasley had his name called in the opening round, as did Leitchville-Gunbower’s Mac Ryan.
The under-18 Pioneers will take on the Murray Bushrangers at the Wangaratta Showgrounds on Saturday, while the under-16s aren’t in action again until April 10 when they face Gippsland Power.
The Coates Talent League Girls begins on Saturday, with the under-18 girls joining the boys in Wangaratta for a contest against the Bushrangers.
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