Premier netball underway

The 2026 premier netball season launched with a thrilling encounter under the Stadium 2000 roof tonight.

In the first of three matches on the night, the Marlborough Girls’ College senior A side took on Central, the new kids on the block.

This was a first foray into the premier grade for the Central club, their top team a mix of players from several other clubs and relatively untried as a combination.

At the end of a game that was evenly-matched throughout the Blues did just enough to hold off the students, prevailing 53-50 after the scores were level going into the final, frantic few minutes.

Central led through all four quarters, by three after the first 15 minutes and nine at the halfway mark.

A new innovation this season is the two-point shot, which comes into force in the final four minutes of each quarter.

MGC used this to good effect late in the third quarter to reduce the margin to three and, although they levelled at 50-50 with two minutes to play, the more experienced Blues had the final say, landing three pressure goals to get the job done.

At the centre of their offence was former Tactix shooter Jess Prosser, who is returning to the game after a few seasons off. She proved a reliable source of goals, landing 42 of her 61 attempts to guide the premier newcomers home.

Former Pelorus middies Kelsie Fitzpatrick and Brittney Lyons, plus former Harlequins Sophie Robinson, brought speed and skills to the attack while Livvy Hodson and Liv Pinkerton made welcome returns to premier play.

MGC will be heartened by their efforts. With plenty of premier experience back on court this campaign they hung tough and came close to springing an early upset.

Leading the way was Bree Flynn, Anna Hurren, Violet Speakman, JahBree MacDonald, Sophie Moore, plus Sophia Nicholas and Jaye Wiapo, the latter duo landing crucial two-pointers.

Second up on opening night was a clash between Harlequins and a Mixed Invitation side, recruited to ensure all premier side have a game each week.

This was another relatively tight encounter, the Invitation side eventually getting home 56-46.

At the halfway stage it was anybody’s game, Harlequins leading 24-23. However, the mixed crew upped the ante after the break, popping in a couple of two-pointers to stretch their lead to 15 at three quarter time, quite enough of a buffer to hold off a strong finish from the Quins.

Jacob Collins, Poppy Lane Luke Richardson, Aston Underwood and Sam Pearson caught the eye for the victors while Jorja Bacchus, one of the most reliable shooters last season, again looked assured under the hoop for the Quins.

Long-serving centre Bridget Gane continues to set the standard in midcourt while Wendy Trolove made a welcome return as goal keeper.

The final encounter was also an intriguing match-up, with a reshaped Pelorus team coming up against Tokomaru.

Despite showing some early-season rust, Pelorus came away with a comprehensive 52-27 victory.

Anel Moli, stepping into the shoes of former shooting standout Paige Lovell, showed she will be a worthy replacement at GS, dropping in 31 of her 44 attempts, while the ever-reliable Courtney Taufa also managed a high percentage.

The tried and trusted defensive duo of Izzy Tupouto’a and Oriana Houra preyed on any Toko inaccuracy while new recruit Rebecca Mark in midcourt was a livewire against her former club.

Toko had their moments but were unable to dominate for lengthy periods and failed to convert the turnover ball that came their way.

Kayla, Dana and Hana Wilson combined well, as usual, while Dakota Tepuia at GK was in fine form.

Round two is next Tuesday.

Scores: Central Gill Construction 53 ( Jess Prosser 42/61, Liv Pinkerton 9/14, Courtney  Folster 2/13) MGC Liquid Action 50 (Jaye Wiapo 20/32, Amelia Hood 12/24, Sophia Nicholas 18/31. (Quarter scores – winning team first: 15-12, 16-11, 9-14, 13-13).

Mixed Invitation 56 (Shiloh Walsh 7/21, Jacob Collins 23/32, Luke Richardson 22/34, Sam Pearson 4/7) Harlequins Totalspan 46 (Jorja Bacchus 30/42, Lauren Murray 12/22, Ella Hopping 4/19). Quarter scores – winning team first: 13-10, 10-14, 22-6, 11-16.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting 52 (Anel Moli 31/44, Courtney Taufa 12/16, Mele Moli 7/12) Tokomaru Crafar Crouch 27 (Naomi Fowler 13/29, Dana Wilson 5/9, Kayla Wilson 5/7). Quarter scores – winning team first: 16-4, 12-11, 9-8, 15-4.