The Mountain Maids finished second-last in the league last season, but showed big signs of improvement with a host of new recruits playing well under new coach Emma Uebergang.

Uebergang was named one of the best contributors for her side along with Caitlin Story as Laharum easily defeated last year’s grand finalist Kalkee.

Goal shooter Melissa Beddison and centre Clair McDonald were named Kalkee’s best in defeat.

It was also a big day for Natimuk United, which made its first appearance since the off-season merger between Natimuk and the Horsham RSL Diggers.

Jo Taylor played her 250th game and was named among the Ewes’ best in a 42-13 win over Swifts.

Co-coach Shurl Skiller said the team tried out several different line-ups during the day to see what worked and what didn’t.

“We put in a solid performance – I wouldn’t say it was outstanding but it was a good first-up run with new players,” she said.

“We did a bit of switching round and tried Sophie Hutchinson – who is a new player – in goals and defence to check out how she would perform.

“We also played Vicki Ahilaras, who is another new player, in the middle and defence so it was just a bit of a learning day for the coaches as well as the players.”

Skiller said she expected Natimuk to be a strong finals contender again based on the performance.

Pimpinio missed out on finals last season, but won convincingly against Taylors Lake at the weekend to suggest it will be in the running to make finals this year.

Reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral was untroubled by Rupanyup in a 70-17 win, with reigning league best and fairest Ebonie Salter the top player on the court.

Edenhope-Apsley narrowly defeated Noradjuha-Quantong in a re-match of last season’s preliminary final.

Young star Sacha McDonald shot 22 goals and Rachael Whitehead had 24 as the Saints won 46-41.