Netballers prepare for season opening

It is back to the future for Marlborough’s premier netball fraternity this season.

Once again six teams will battle for supremacy in the region’s top club competition, after just four sides filled premier ranks in 2022.

The return to a half dozen sides will add variety and depth to a competition that became rather routine last year, meaning three matches will be played each Tuesday evening at Stadium 2000.

Involved in premier play this year will be two teams from both the Harlequins and Pelorus clubs, plus sides from Tokomaru and Marlborough Girls’ College.

Harlequins

Harlequins Indevin, the 2022 champions, will field a well-balanced combination, buoyed by such stalwarts as ever-energetic midcourter Bridget Gane, shooters Lauren Murray and Kelsee Powell, versatile livewire Wiri Bristowe, defender Mackenzie Baird, plus middies Maighan Watson and Sophie Robinson. Fiaali’i Solomona, a standout with MGC over the past two seasons, is a notable addition, adding stability and shooting power at the attacking end, along with former Toko player Ramona Waikato.

Harlequins Fairweathers are a predominantly youthful squad, many coming up from grade one last season, plus a couple of new faces.

Joining the club from Cairns, Australia is Kirsty Boase. The former rep player brings experience to the defensive group where she will team up with Kaya Walsh and Jorja Bacchus.

The midcourt duties will be handled by Zara Jopson, Bianca Bean Oliver, Phebe Allen and Marguerite Hood.

Aston Underwood’s height and elevation, teamed with Sophie Ridley-Scott’s calmness in the circle offer plenty of attacking possibilities.

Harlequins Indevin: Bridget Gane, Lauren Murray, Ramona Waikato, Fiaali’i Solomona, Kayla Collins, Kelsee Powell, Mackenzie Baird, Maighan Watson, Sophie Robinson, Wendy Trolove, Wiri Bristowe. Coach: Olivia Robinson.

Harlequins Fairweathers:Kirsty Boase, Kaya Walsh, Jorja Bacchus, Zara Jopson, Bianca Oliver, Phebe Allen, Marguerite Hood, Aston Underwood, Sophie Ridley-Scott. Coaches Lesley Wilson, Grace Rodger.

MGC

There has been plenty of change in the MGC ranks, with just three regular premier players from last season returning.

Midcourter Delyth James-Sitters, the versatile Hazel Glover and defender Izzy Tupouto’a are back as the college side welcomes an influx of younger talent.

The team's defensive end will see Tupouto’a combine with the energetic and skilled Poppy-Jo Lane, plus the athletic Brooke Harper.

The midcourt will see James-Sitters teaming up with the dynamic Paige O’Brien, Ella Sowman and rising talent Liz Pousima.

Shooters Emily Flynn and Anel Moli may be new to premier but are an established combination. Glover will also provide flair and energy in a fluid attacking end.

The team is versatile, fast and athletic and is expected to bring plenty of spirit to their games.

Marlborough Girls’ College Liquid Action:Delyth James-Sitters, Izzy Tupouto’a, Hazel Glover, Emily Flynn, Poppy-Jo Lane, Anel Moli, Paige O’Brien, Ella Sowman, Brooke Harper, Elizabeth Pousima. Coach: Bek Scherp.

Pelorus

Pelorus will also field two premier sides, one who will train regularly, the other made up of players, many of whom have vast experience, who will participate on a more casual basis. Despite that, there is enough talent and depth in both Pelorus sides to make them very dangerous propositions.

Their Pelorus Edridge Contracting side, last year’s beaten finalists, will rely on the shooting prowess of Paige Lovell, coupled with the courtcraft of middies Jordy Peipi, Laura Evans and Brittney Lyons. Kelly West is an experienced hand, as is accomplished defender Danelle Moffat.

After a very successful time in grade one last year the Pelorus Gill Construction side has talent aplenty and will be a constant threat, despite not training together. Cara Gallop, Karli Murphy, Kate Gaudin, Bonnie Morris, Kelsie Fitzpatrick, Katie Bradley and Anna Thomas are seasoned performers, offering versatility and big match temperament.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting: Paige Lovell, Megan Cosgrove, Kelly West, Ella Smith, Laura Evans, Jordy Peipi, Brittney Lyons, Ana Horncastle, Danelle Moffat. Coaches: Laura Evans, Courtney Taufa.

Pelorus Gill Construction: Cara Gallop, Karli Murphy, Kate Gaudin, Anna McDermid, Bonnie Morris, Kelsie Fitzpatrick, Michelle MacDonald, Katie Bradley, Anna Thomas, Liv Pinkerton, Charlene Wills. Coach Cara Gallop, manager Tracey Moanaroa.

Tokomaru

It is all change at the Picton-based club this season, with just one player from last year’s premier squad returning.

Shannon McManaway was part of the 2022 squad, and is back, along with shooter Gemma Hika, who played a few games towards the end of a difficult season.

Gone this year are such stalwarts as Hana and Kayla Wilson, plus Geneva Hoggard.

Gemma, Ayla Looms, Chloe Devir, Hayley Turoa, Jade Shallcrass and Tamara Acott were part of the Tokomaru grade one side last year and step up together.

What the side lacks in terms of premier experience they will no doubt make up for in spirit and youthful energy.

Tokomaru: Ayla Looms, Chloe Devir, Gemma Hika, Hayley Turoa, Jade Shallcrass, Mahina Henry-Campbell, Naomi Brownlee, Paige Smith, Shannon McManaway, Tamara Acott. Coach: Vanessa Hika.

The New World premier grade competition begins on Tuesday, May 2 and will be played over three rounds, followed by semifinals and a final. There will be promotion/relegation this season.

The other senior grades, along with Year 7-8 and Year 5-6 players, begin on May 6. Future Ferns open their season on May 5.

Teams will have a chance to stretch their legs and hone their combinations in the Pre-season Tournament, scheduled for Lansdowne Park on Saturday, April 29.

Umpiring workshops will be held on May 22, June 26 and July 24.

2023 Season Dates:

Tournaments:

Pre-season Tournament (Blenheim) - 29 April 2023

Top of the south U16, U18 & Senior – 11 June 2023

Tupuranga Champs U16 - 03 - 05 June

Christchurch U18 - 03 - 05 June

Wellington U16 - 18 June

Wellington Dale Wortman U18 - 25 June

SISS – 03 July – 05 July 2023

Celebration Box U18 Hamilton – 10 – 13 July 2023

South Island Masters – 14 - 15 October 2023