Technique dominated proceedings in the first two quarters but was frustrated by the quick feet of Striker's goalkeeper Samantha Jackway, with boom recruit Bruce Alexander's sprayed shot over the net the side's best chance to convert.

The Strikers' class began to shine in the third term with Cale Rout and Dermott Collee's slick ball movement proving a cut above in the midfield, despite the pair never appearing to shift out of second gear.

Rout, who will line up for Altona in the Victorian Premier League this year, scored to put the Strikers in front with less than two minutes remaining in the third term.

The Strikers had the run of play in the final stanza, but Technique goalkeeper Sharyn Stevenson held firm.

Technique then had two bites of the cherry with a short corner paid after the siren but failed to convert, handing the Strikers a well-deserved victory.

Kermond, 29, said he was rapt to start the season with a win and singled out Rout, Collee and Jackway as his side's best on.

"We were nearly fainting," he joked after the game.

"But we've got some great young players which really helps."

The Pirates defeated the Buccaneers 3-2 in the other men's game.

Technique got on the winner's list with a thumping 6-1 victory over Strikers in the women's competition, while the Submariners defeated the Saints 4-1.

In the under 16s the Pirates defeated Buccaneers 3-0, while the Strikers defeated Technique 2-1.