Netball: Hamilton pre-season tournament sees intense action

Melville WA in green is Ashley Walton with Ngamihi Elliot at GA in blue for FTNC Prem Res in the background. Photo/Supplied

It was a day of intense and competitive action when the Trust Waikato Pre Season tournament was held on Saturday at the Hamilton City Netball Centre.

The weather was overcast but dry becoming very warm in the afternoon so made for some good netball to be played.

Sixty teams entered the tournament across a range of grades including Premier, Premier Reserve, A grade, B grade, C grade and D grade.

Melville centre Samantha Lee, right, defended by Chanay Peri at centre for FTNC Prem Res. Photo/Supplied

In Premier, Premier Reserve, A and C grade there were two pools and each pool had four teams, B grade there were four pools of four teams apiece and D grade there was three pools of four teams.

Finals were held for each grade except for B grade where there were two finals and in D grade where there was a semi final then final.

All games were 12 minutes each way with 2 minutes half time. Each team was required to provide their own non playing qualified umpire until finals. A win was worth 3 points, a draw 2 points and a loss 3 goals or less 1 point.

For the finals there were some intense and competitive games played with each team keen to be the victor in their respective grade.

Results:

Premier
Winner - FTNC Prem Reserve
Runner up - Melville Prem

Premier Reserve
Winner - Allied HOB Presidents
Runner up - Rocket

A Grade
Winner - Allied HOB Development
Runner up - FTNC White

B Grade Pool 1 vs Pool 2
Winner - NC Rangers Rovers
Runner up - Frankton Force

B Grade Pool 3 vs Pool 4
Winner - Hillcrest Development
Runner up - NWR Suburbs Rookies

C Grade
Winner - WR2
Runner up - NWRS Sugar Shakers

D Grade
Winner - NWR Suburbs Nikeyz
Runner up - Whenua
 
Overall it was a good day enjoyed by a large number of teams, supporters and spectators present.

The tournament gave players a taste of what is to come this season in terms of their competition and some insight into the skills, fitness and endurance required.

A number of volunteers assisted with the smooth running of the tournament along with TWHCNC representatives.

Representatives from Trust Waikato were available to present the prizes at the conclusion of the tournament.