Macedon held off a determined Riddell in the opening round of the Riddell District Netball League.
The Bombers jumped out of the blocks and led 10-5 early on, before the Cats settled and took the lead.
The Cats led by one goal at quarter-time and managed to stay in front for the rest of the game, but were made to work for it. They went on to win 58-51.
Cats coach Ciara Stewart said it was a high quality match.
“There were a 109 goals in 60 minutes, it goes to show how good both teams are,” she said.
“We didn’t give the ball up and they didn’t give the ball up and the few times we did the other team had to fight just as hard.
“That 60 minutes was a hard slog.”
Stewart was full of praise for the opposition, but said the work they had done over the pre-season helped them get over the line.
She said nerves played a part early on.
The win was made even better, with the Cats not at full strength.
Janelle Birch missed the game, while Katie Clarke was out after breaking her toe. Chloe Wilson only played a quarter and a half due to illness and Karlee De Bono only played a quarter also due to illness.
Stewart said everyone stepped up and played different roles.
Tayissa Coppinger won the best on court medal as part of the Puka Up Cup initiative.
The Cats won the overall trophy, as the two clubs looked to raise mental health awareness.
Stewart said Coppinger was brilliant in defence, working in the circle with two B-grade defenders.
“It’s a good thing Ty trains against Bec Colwell and plays against her too.
“We knew she could keep her under control. As long as Ty could talk it through with the people behind her and get one or two balls, we would be right.”
The Cats shared the goals around with Stewart shooting 21 goals, Amy Carroll 20 and Wilson 17.
Bec Colwell, who has returned to Riddell after playing in the Ballarat Netball League season last year, shot 41 goals for the Cats.
Colwell is one of two returning players, along with coach Lauren Close.
Midcourter Maddison Wallmeyer, who previously played with Lancefield, made her Bombers debut.
In the other match on the first weekend of the split one round, Rupertswood proved too strong for Woodend-Hesket, winning 61-35.
