Grading battle looms

Netball

The Colombo Road netball courts become a hive of activity again this Saturday as netball gears up for a new season.

One round of senior grading games gets under way with the next seven Saturdays seeing teams vie for participation in this year's premier grade.

Netball Wairarapa president Sandy Biel is upbeat about the new season.

"There are 59 teams so far, more than last year. Things are looking pretty healthy," she said.

"This could result in seven or eight grades, we'll just have to see how things pan out."

The relative strengths of the teams will become apparent over the next few weeks as new team members become established.

On the coaching front, Carlene Karaitiana has taken up the reins for Harcourts, Pania Haruru is in charge at St Matthew's, Shannon Sim is coaching Wairarapa College and Moko Namana is Pioneer's coach.

Last season's teams are looking to contest Premier One grade with Celtic also seeking to be included in that mix.

Fixtures for Saturday:

Gladstone All Blacks v Carterton Red, Ct 1 at 9am; Harcourts v Carterton Legends, Ct 1 at 11am; Makoura v St Matthew's, Ct 2 at 11am; Carterton New World Vipers v Celtic, Ct 1 at 1pm; Pioneer v Wairarapa College, Ct 2 at 1pm.