Premier netball reshuffle

There has been a major shake-up in premier netball ranks.

While there will still be six teams contesting Marlborough premier grade matches this season, there has been plenty of comings and goings, both individually and among the teams.

A newcomer to premier ranks is the Central club, their roster filled with players from a variety of clubs. From the premiership-winning Pelorus side come middies Kelsie Fitzpatrick and Brittney Lyons, while Aleisha Smith, Sophie Robinson and Celine Barnes are former Harlequins players. Liv Hodson and Olivia Pinkerton return to premier ranks after time off.

A notable addition to the Blues is accomplished shooter Jess Prosser. Jess previously played for both Tokomaru and Harlequins, winning the championship with both teams. After returning to Christchurch, she forced her way into the Mainland Tactix side and will bring class and experience to the local scene.

Pelorus, who claimed a ‘three-peat’ of titles last season, field a new-look combination. The absence of star shooter Paige Lovell will be keenly felt, although they still have such talented performers as key defenders Oriana Houra and Izzy Tupouto’a, plus lively middie Stormy Tupara and player/coach Courtney Taufa in the attacking circle to call on.

Harlequins will field just one side this season. They have experienced operators such as Bridget Gane, Lauren Murray and Wendy Trolove to build a team around, while Delyth James-Sitters and Jorja Bacchus are young players who made a big impression in 2025.

The Marlborough Girls’ College senior A side has quite a number of players boasting premier experience, now a year older and ready to make their mark on the competition. In Sophia Nicholas, Bree Flynn, Jah’Bree MacDonald, Sophie Moore, Anna Hurren, Jaye Wiapo, Tilly Tupouto’a and Violet Speakman, MGC have a powerful nucleus and will be keen to realise their potential.

Tokomaru had an up and down season in 2025 and will be keen to maintain some consistency this time around. They have a strong roster, led by experienced operators such as sisters Kayla, Dana and Hana Wilson, Ellen Barr, Naomi Brownlee, Dakota Tepuia and Eden Hika, plus a string of young talented players ready to step up and play the exciting brand of netball Toko are renowned for.

The sixth team is a combined side, similar to the side which completed the competition last year, designed to ensure there is no bye and all teams get to play each Tuesday at Stadium 2000.

The competition begins on Tuesday, 21 April, with three rounds leading into semifinals then a final on Saturday, 29 August.

The Top of the South round, with matches against Nelson opposition, is scheduled for Sunday, 7 June, in Blenheim.

Senior and social netball begins on Saturday, 2 May, as well as Future FERNS year 7&8 and 5&6. Future FERNS year 1-4 Friday night competition begins on 1 May.

Meet the 2026 premier teams:

Marlborough Girls’ College senior A: Amelia Hood, Anna Hurren, Bree Flynn, Georgie Fissenden, Isla Watene, Jah’Bree MacDonald, Jaye Wiapo, Sophia Nicholas, Sophie Moore, Tilly Tupouto’a, Violet Speakman. Coaches: Michelle Stagg, Megan McKendry.

Harlequins: Jorja Bacchus, Lauren Murray, Ella Hopping, Bridget Gane, Paige O’Brien, Delyth James-Sitters, Natalie Spence, Wendy Trolove, Ryleigh Gale. Coach: Wiri Bristowe.

Pelorus: Anel Moli, Bex Mark, Courtney Taufa, Izzy Tupouto’a, Liv Matthews, Mele Moli, Olivia Brown, Oriana Houra, Stormy Tupara. Coach: Courtney Taufa.

Central: Kelsie Fitzpatrick, Aleisha Smith, Brittney Lyons, Caylah Kenny, Celine Barnes, Courtney Folster, Jess Prosser, Jess Rutherford, Liv Hodson, Olivia Pinkerton, Sophie Robinson.

Tokomaru: Sarai Puna, Dana Wilson, Eden Hika, Kara Beattie, Ellen Barr, Hana Wilson, Kayla Hebberd, Naomi Brownlee, Dakota Tepuia, Kayla Wilson. Coach Alana Cairns.

Combined: to be advised