Netball teams eye premier level spots

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Challenge Round club netball starts at the YMCA tomorrow night with two teams keen to prove they deserve to remain at Premier level.

Round 1 grading games ended last weekend and the sides taking part in the Challenge Round emerged from these, pitting the top teams in every grade bar Premier against the bottom teams in the grade above.

At the top of the ladder, Premier grade sides Horouta Gold and Ritana Senior A were the bottom two, meaning they face the top two from Premier Reserve — Tapuae and Claydens Waikohu (3).

The Ritana (Lytton High) students are in action against Tapuae at the YMCA at 6pm, followed by Horouta Gold against Waikohu (3) at 7.30pm.

Netball commentator Sherrill Beale expects the games to be a good watch.

“It's always hard to predict games between grades but I am sure both will be competitive,” Beale said.

“Entry is free so come down to the YMCA and enjoy the Challenge games.”

The other two Premier/Premier Reserve Challenge games will be played on Saturday at Victoria Domain courts. Ritana play Waikohu (3) at 11am and Horouta Gold play Tapuaea at 1pm.

These will be amid all other Gisborne Pak'nSave senior competition Challenge Round games.

After the round, Gisborne Netball Centre officials will decide on the final make-up of all grades and the points competition proper will follow.