The Narrandera Imperial Eagles’ Football Netball Club (Eagles) didn’t have the start to the season they were looking for with all three grades losing.

The seniors suffered a 62-point loss in their Riverina Football League opening round game against the Mangoplah Cookardinia United Eastlakes Goannas on home turf at Narrandera Sportsground last Saturday.

The Eagles 3.6 (24) were defeated by the Goannas 12.14 (86) and suffered another blow when one of their goal kickers, Jobe Litchfield, sustained a broken fibula while kicking his six-pointer.

The Eagles started well in the opening quarter, coming out of the blocks early and signalling their intent, kicking two goals and two behinds to lead by four points at the end of the opening quarter.

The Goannas hit back in the next quarter with four goals and four behinds while restricting the Eagles to kicking just a single behind.

Despite surrendering their lead, the Eagles were still in the game, albeit trailing by 23 points at the main break.

However, they fell further behind after the restart.

The Eagles added a single goal in the third quarter and three behinds in the final quarter as the Goannas extended the lead and put the result beyond doubt.

The club’s Director of Football, James Sullivan, summed up the game.

Mango started hot out of the blocks, but we regained control and were the better side in the

second half of the first

quarter through great pressure,” Sullivan said.

“The second quarter was mostly Mango, with our turnovers creating a lot of Mango’s scoring opportunities - our pressure wasn’t as great as the first quarter. 

“The third quarter was pretty even, with both sides having the momentum at times.

“In the final quarter, we had some early opportunities to score, but unfortunately couldn’t capitalise and Mangoplah were able to score a bit easier to seal a comfortable win.” 

The Eagles’ goal kickers included one each for Blake Renet, Jobe Litchfield and Harry Grintell.

Their best players were Barry O’Connor, Harry Grintell, Jayden Carroll, James Smith, Darcy Pendergast and Issaac Carroll.

“Our young team showed some really good signs,” Sullivan said.

“Recruit Barry O’Connor and local boy Harry Grintell, back for one game, were instrumental all game. 

“Issaac and Jaydon Carroll were very good around the ball and backline key position players Darcy Pendergast and Jimmy Smith were very good all game.” 

Sullivan said the club had experienced a “mixed off-season” in terms of recruitment, with some good players joining, but also some leaving the club.

Ins: Issaac Carroll, Riley Fettell, Alex Carroll, Tom Dore, Ethan Ryan, Ben Perry and Barry O’Connor.

Outs: Cooper Lee, Harry Pole, Josh Boag, Harvey Odgers and Oliver Hutchins. 

“The most exciting thing is the talented juniors coming through who display great skill, but also great drive to get better,” Sullivan said. 

“The club has enjoyed a good pre-season and the team is fit and raring to go for the rest of the season.

“The inclusion of Barry O’Connor from Manly for the first three games is exciting for the club.” 

Meanwhile, the Eagles’ reserves 0.2 (2) were on the wrong end of a 131-point defeat against the Goannas 20.13 (133).

The Eagles’ best players included Digby Currie, Ethan Ryan, Callum Auldist, Shaun Quilter, Luke Paterson and Joel Maniscalco.

The Eagles’ Under 18s 2.5 (17) also fell victim to the Goannas 12.11 (83), going down by 11 goals.

Jed Scott and Ross Durnan kicked the Eagles’ two goals, while Huxley Coelli, Nate Briggs, Aston Hammond, Zac Scott, Riley Parslow-Gibson and Emmett Smith were their best players.