Waikohu (1) made a good start by winning the Kathleen Henderson Memorial Tournament and will want to maintain the impetus.
These teams had some close, competitive games against each other last year so the same can be expected tomorrow.
It is always interesting at the start of the netball season to see the make-up of teams — to see who has stayed put, who has returned after a break, who has changed teams, and who is new to the district.
It all adds to the interesting, competitive nature of netball.
In the other premier game tomorrow, at 11am, also in the YMCA, F45 High School Old Girls will play Horouta Gold.
Reigning 2021 premier champions HSOG did not take part in the Kathleen Henderson tournament, but a HSOG mixed team won the tournament’s B Grade.
Horouta Gold had some good results in that tournament., losing to eventual winners Waikohu (1) and runners-up YMP Whanau by only five and four goals respectively.
Centre manager Allisa Hall said the netball fraternity
was excited to start their games in the YMCA so early this season.
“Premier grade usually starts indoors in Round 2, but with our season starting later and having two less teams starting in the grade, we have been able to play most of the Round 1 games indoors on Wednesday evenings, and the extra games for the round on the Saturdays out on Court 2 at Victoria Domain.
“Mark it in your calendars and get into the ‘Y’ to support your favourite team when that starts on Wednesday,” Hall said.
The two teams not returning to premiers this year include the Tapuae team from Wairoa, and Waikohu have consolidated their two teams from last year into one this season.
Play starts for all senior teams tomorrow.
It is always hard to make predictions early in the season.
However, netballers and their supporters will be pleased to be back on the courts, and there will be plenty of good games to view.
