Played at Culburra Oval, the hosts scored first through Jack Miller in the 35^th minute, to give the Cougars a 1-nil lead at the break.

But three quick goals to the visitors, through skipper Brenden Hobbs, Connor Macqueen and Tim White, saw the Dragons lead 3-1 midway through the second half.

A late goal from Cougars' Dale Blundell set up a grandstand finish to the match, but the visitors held on for the three points, in their coach Craig Holden's first game in charge.

"We thought we were right in the contest in the first half and were unlucky to go behind from a goal against the run of play," Basin's senior coaching coordinator Paul Cubbo said.

"But we knew if we kept playing with our new attacking structure, the goals would come, which they did in the second half.

"To get all three points at Culburra, against one of the top midfields in the competition, is a really positive way to start the season.

"In past seasons, we have shown on our day we can compete with anyone but didn't have the depth in our squad to consistently produce those performers.

"Since I joined the club four years ago, we've gradually improved each year and we hope to continue that trend this season and secure an illusive finals berth."

Related content: Bears and Seagulls headline opening round of Shoalhaven Football

At Ison Park, in the 'match of the round' Alex Dicker's Shoalhaven United built on their strong FFA Cup form to oust Huskisson-Vincentia 3-1.

The win for Dicker's Bears was set up by a brace by Alex Rogan and another goal by Mathew Fuz - while Jordan Reid scored the lone goal for the Seagulls.

Elsewhere, Andrew Timbs' Illaroo appear set for a bounce-back season, after a comprehensive 3-nil win against Shoalhaven Heads-Berry at Zealand Oval, with Alex Cheyne (two) and Lachlan Hucman finding the back of the net.

The final winner at the weekend was the Sussex Seahawks, who claimed maximum points against new boys Callala.

At the Thompson Street Sporting Complex, brothers Kyle and Riley Jarrett scored for the hosts, to secure the win.

The final match of the round was the southern derby between Milton-Ulladulla and Manyana.

Played at Lighthouse Oval, the hosts' two goals were scored by Brent Anderson and Zane Wilson, while Andy Hallet and Billy Zappas scored for the Wanderers.

Bomaderry had the bye in round one.

In round two, Callala host United, Huskisson-Vincentia take on Milton-Ulladulla, Manyana entertain Illaroo, Basin battle Bomaderry and Shoalhaven Heads-Berry clash with Culburra - as Sussex have the bye.