The 2023 Storm Premiership season returned on the weekend, with 16 senior clubs all taking part in a Magic Round at Clearwood Drive Reserve in Truganina.
Local rugby league fans were treated to a day filled with rugby league action, with the Men’s First, Second and Third Grade as well as the Women’s First Grade competition all on show.
The day kicked off with several new clubs running out for the first time in the Men’s Third Grade, the Doveton Steelers, South Eastern Titans, Geelong Sharks, North West Wolves and Frankston Raiders all returning to senior footy.
After falling short in the Men’s Second Grade Final last season, the Sunshine Cowboys started the new season brightly, defeating the Waverley Oakleigh Panthers 30-18 while the Casey Warriors proved too strong for the Pakenham Eels, registering a 50-4 win.
Men’s First Grade newcomers the Sunbury Tigers got their campaign off in style, knocking off the Werribee Bears 24-8, while the Waverley Panthers defeated Northern Thunder 46-34 in a high-scoring affair.
In a grand final rematch, last year’s Premiers the Truganina Rabbitohs took on the Altona Roosters and prevailed once again, running out 30-10 winners.
Round 2 will get underway next Saturday at Comely Banks Reserve, with all clubs in action once again in another Magic Round.
