WANGARATTA Rovers female footballers ventured to Wodonga Raiders' Birallee Park this week for their first matches of the North East Female Border Football League season.

The open women’s game was played under lights on Saturday following the two clubs' Ovens and Murray senior men’s clash.

Raiders got off to a somewhat controversial start when, after winning a free kick on the flank and play coming to a stop, they received a belated call to play-on and were able to convert, bringing up the game's first major in the opening minutes.

Raiders' first and second quarters were excellent, and they enjoyed the greater share of possession and field position.

Rovers fought hard and never took a backward step, but were not quite able to find their groove, and went into the half-time break down 0.1 (1) to 3.5 (23).

They came out in the third quarter with their trademark brand of footy on display; hard at the contest, attacking the ball and ensuring every Raiders possession was under pressure.

The Hawks controlled the ball for much of the term, but did not get the reward on the scoreboard, scoring three points to Raiders' single behind.

The final quarter was played much the same as the third: a hard, tough contest with some excellent individual skill and team play on display.

However, the inability to convert open play into points on the board ultimately produced a scoreline that belied the competitiveness of the contest - Wodonga Raiders 4.6 (30) defeated Wangaratta Rovers 0.5 (5).

Although Rovers will be disappointed with the result, there were many aspects of the game to be excited about, and the contribution of new players is something they can build on.

Alana McKenna and Mia Johnston played their first senior games for the club, with Mia playing alongside mum Celia Piesse.

Chloe Bigham, Belinda Heinrich, Tayla Russo and Kahu Henare all played their first game of Aussie Rules, while experienced campaigner Renea Macbain played her first game for the club.

Best: Emma Gosbell, Bron McGorlick, Frankie Butler, Ella Bradley, Helen Collins, Amy Collins.

Awards: Chloe Kungl, Kahu Henare, Mia Johnston, Belinda Heinrich.

The under 14s began the junior action for the Hawks against Wodonga Raiders on Sunday.

The Hawks sprinted out of the blocks after the opening siren; Lowe jumped cleanly in the first ruck contest to tap down to a running Foster, who kicked the ball long into the forward 50 in the direction of Mia Simpson.

Handballs flew from Simpson to Rea to Zara McCrae, all ducking and weaving trying to gain space for a kick, then a quick handball back to Simpson resulted in a goal within the first minute of the game.

Fatigue was a factor in the final term, with Raiders starting to get the ascendancy through the middle of the ground, but Rovers competed until the final siren, with a couple of late goals to Raiders sealing the result.

Goals: Ruby Newton 2, Mia Simpson, Ames Rea.

Awards: Amy Lowe, Stella Ryan, Issy Foster, Ames Rea.

After a bye in round one, Wangaratta Rovers' under 17s were keen to get their season underway.

Rovers' leadership group for the year comprises Mak Clark as captain, Clare Collins as vice-captain and Lily Gibb and Lily Currie Fraser as leadership group members.

The Rovers have also welcomed four new players to the club: Willow Foster, Abbey Waide, Sienna Koop and Mia Atkinson Reiffel.

Rovers started the game with a strong and versatile midfield and no designated ruck.

The backline was bolstered by the inclusion of Koop, whose strong defensive marking and run off half back was needed, as the Raiders kept the ball in their forward line for most of the quarter.

Raiders were too strong and went into the half-time break in front - 7.5 (47) to 0.1 (1).

Gemma Couch Trinder was the standout of the third quarter with her hard attack on the ball, run, chase and tackle efforts.

The quarter ended with Rovers trailing Raiders 10.9 (69) to 0.1 (1).

The aim for the final quarter was for the Rovers to turn their fantastic defensive efforts into some attacking play.

Amy Johnston linked up with Atkinson Reiffel with a good couple of handballs before the ball found its way to Johnston, who was able to score the Rovers' only goal of the game.

Currie Fraser took a fantastic contested mark, and her tackling pressure really stood out. When the final siren sounded, Rovers went down to Raiders 14.13 (97) to 1.1 (7).

Awards - Lily Currie Fraser, Sienna Koop

Goal: Mia Johnston

Rovers again have a bye for round three, so game two will come in round four on Sunday, April 28 against Thurgoona Bulldogs in Thurgoona.