Under their newly raised 2024 CBL North East championship banner, Myrtleford’s women’s side went on to an emphatic 99-73 win in their 2025 home opener against Wallan on Saturday night.

It was an electric atmosphere inside the Myrtleford Indoor Sport Stadium as the town got a first look at their championship banner from last season, looking to reach the pinnacle once more this season.

The Saints were relentless from the outset, capitalising on Panther turnovers on the back of a strong start defensively.

Taylah Reidy went on a heater towards the end of the first quarter, dropping three straight shots beyond the arc in a minute to help the Saints to a 28-15 lead at the first break.

After a dominant second quarter the game was virtually put beyond reach after a 7-0 run coming out of half-time stretched the lead to a game high 30 points.

Coach Kory Batt said while the offence stood out on the scoreboard, it was his team’s manic defence which impressed the most, with Evie Hughes leading the way.

“We started to see them gelling a lot more, defensively we were super playing a high-pressure full court, we were able to cause turnovers and then capitalise offensively,” he said.

“Emilee McPherson had a great game crashing the boards both ends of the court.”

Reidy would lead her team in scoring with 22 points while Matilda Preston (18 points), Hughes (16 points), McPherson (15 points) and Lily Purss (10 points) all broke into double figures.

Carly Cranston was a standout for the Panthers with 18 points as they remain winless on the season.

Following the women’s game, the men were unable to reach the heights of their counterparts going down in a tough 68-96 loss to Wallan.

The Saints were able to keep pace with the Panthers throughout the opening period until 21-11 second quarter broke the game open.

Myrtleford attempted to stay in the game with some stout defensive efforts but the firepower of the Panthers would prove too much in the end.

Marcus La Spina put on a show to finish with a game high 26 points, including a treble of treys before fouling out in the dying stages while Lachlan Russell impressed on the offensive end with 15 points.

The Saints remain winless in the men’s competition sitting equal last on the ladder with Wodonga.

Both teams will have a bye next week before returning for a double header at Wallan and then at home, with the women to play Shepparton and the men to face Echuca.