The blue and golds went up against Scots All Saints College - making their first start as a combined school side - simply looking for some cohesion and plenty of smiles on the court.

Not only did the team manage to succeed in those two areas, they were also on the correct side of the scoreboard at the full-time siren.

Bulldogs came away with a 45-24 win over the students to start a new year on the front foot.

The Verdelho ladies could walk away content after consistent quarters of netball and strong performances from their new players.

Bulldogs coach Anita van Dartel, back for another season with the club, was encouraged by the way her new-look side came together as a group after a challenging pre-season numbers-wise.

"We've got about five new players so it was just lovely to see them click so quickly, and along with that have a few laughs," she said.

"That's my focus this year. It's been a huge change for us seeing so many new faces.

"I talked to a few of the older girls about why they moved to different sports and the main reason was that they lost the love so that, for me, is my major focus for this team and to have them enjoy coming out to play each Saturday."

Bulldogs rarely looked in trouble during the match - the only round one game pitting together two of last year's A grade teams.

It's an encouraging sign for a team not used to playing together, and it gave van Dartel the opportunity to continue experimenting with combinations.

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"I played around with the positions a fair bit and each quarter we'd make some changes," she said.

"I was really happy with it and they were able to play really consistently no matter what I did."

The expanded competition this year to 10 teams comes following the merger of the A grade and A reserve one competitions for 2019.

There were no surprises in the day's other matches as last year's regular A grade teams picked up wins over their promoted opponents.

Collegians Mystified recorded a 57-29 win over Panthers Agriwest to begin their title defence in style.

Panthers A grade were too classy for Bulldogs Hurricanes in a 48-18 victory while Mana's win rarely looked in doubt during a 53-30 success against another one of the promoted teams, Panthers Toshacks.

Panthers Mustangs and CSU Hawks put on the match of the round.

Following a close tussle the Mustangs went clear with a 38-32 win.