Penola’s Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Netball Association premiership defence did not get off to the ideal start at McCorquindale Park on Saturday.

A fired up Lucindale side was out for revenge after last year’s preliminary final and managed to get it after a low-scoring arm wrestle.

Little separated the rivals across the first three quarters as a slightly depleted Eagles team fought hard.

April Possingham was in fine form scoring 25 goals and enjoyed fine support by her new partner Ashley Earl in the goal circle, who scored 13 of her own.

With only two goals the difference at three-quarter time, it was anyone’s guess as to who was going to prevail and start the season with a win.

But the Roos jumped up the gears and won the moments that mattered in the final term to skip to a 47-38 win.

It was all orchestrated by a dominant final quarter where Lucindale outscored the hosts 15-5.

Lucy Meyer and Trudy Lane were the main reasons behind the Roos’ success scoring 27 and 20 goals respectively.

Another tight battle took place at Frances where Border Districts snuck past Padthaway.

Border Districts got off to a fast start opening up a solid nine-goal lead before the main break thanks to the fine efforts of Emma Hausler and Lily Pfitzner, who evenly shared their shooting duties.

But the overwhelming force of Kaitlyn Ward had something to say and she helped the Lions fight back in the second half.

Ward scored 32 of Padthaway’s 41 goals, but it was not enough a Border Districts held on.

The Keith Crows have enjoyed a flying start to their season by knocking off Mundulla by a comfortable 24 points.

But the contest was initially on for young and old during a thrilling opening term.

Both sides went goal for goal trading blows each minute and the Crows managed to emerge on top 17-16.

The little win gave the home side the impetus to go on the attack and a couple of huge 20-goal quarters put the result beyond doubt.

Scores from the Naracoorte v Kybybolite Anzac Day clash were not available at the time of print.