HUSKISSON-Vincentia slumped to their second straight draw to open their premiership defence on Saturday when they were held 3-all by Shoalhaven United.
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The Seagulls jumped out to a 3-2 lead at half-time, thanks to goals from Alex Boardman (two) and Jim Niemeier - with Billy Wallington and Alex Rogan scoring for the Bears.
But in the second half, Shane Button equalised for the hosts at Lyrebird Park - despite being down to 10-men due to Luke Kellett's red card.
Alex Dicker's United then held on for the remaining seven minutes (plus injury-time), to see the match finish in a 3-all draw - their second of the 2020 Blackmore Bolden Shield.
"Saturday was a strange game," Bears coach Dicker said.
"We didn't deserve to be behind at half-time, yet Huskisson probably deserved a goal in the second half.
"The boys dug really deep to grab that equaliser with 10-men.
"Overall, I am much happier with the performance, than the result itself.
"We shouldn't be conceding three goals to anyone and the manner they were scored in was disappointing."
This draw marks United's second of the Shoalhaven District Football Association season, seeing them sit in sixth after two rounds.
"Both draws were viewed completely differently - we were very deflated after dominating the Milton-Ulladulla game and only coming away with a point," Dicker said.
"But to get a point off the reigning premiers, with 10-men is a solid effort.
"At the end of the day, we are still in the mix and we knew the first few rounds would be tough for us."
Elsewhere, Sussex Inlet moved into outright first position on the ladder thanks to their second straight win to open the season.
At Culburra Oval, a brace from Mitchell Negus and another goal from Kyle Jarrett secured the Seahawks all three points against the Cougars.
In the loss, their second of the season, Culburra's goal was scored by Tom Matthews - who was also sent off during the match, following two yellow cards.
This win secured the visitors the Chook Bain Cup for 2020.
Hayden Lavender's Shoalhaven Heads-Berry moved into second place on the ladder, thanks to an exciting 2-all draw with Callala at Emmett Street Oval.
Skipper Scott Culey and Nathan Thomas scored for the Sharks, while William Patterson and Tom White found the back of the net for the hosts.
Jumping up into third is St Georges Basin, who edged Bomaderry 2-nil at the St Georges Basin Sporting Complex.
Fraser Macqueen and Luke Reid were on target for the Dragons.
The final match of the round saw Illaroo draw 1-all with Milton-Ulladulla at Sharman Park.
Hayden Strand was the lone goal-scorer for the Roos, as Brent Anderson's strike secured the Panthers one point from the fixture.
Looking ahead, Bomaderry hosts United, Callala takes on Culburra in the local derby, Huskisson battle Illaroo, Milton clash with Sussex and Heads lock horns with St Georges Basin.
"The boys know we need to be stingier at the back, especially against a quality Bomaderry side," said Dicker
"We will be working on a few ways to achieve that at training and hopefully secure our first win of the year."