Hylan Potts at wing attack for Turangawaewae Premier. Photo / Judy Macdonald
The 2026 Hamilton Premier Indoor Netball season kicked off last week with new teams, new players and some movement of players between teams.
This year, two new teams joined the Premier B competition – Ngā Taiātea Wharekura and Te Awamutu College Senior Premier, while the HGHS Old Girls Premier has a new look.
This season looks like it will be very competitive.
The closest game was between FTNC Premier Reserve and HGHS Langman.
At halftime, the score was 30 to 16 goals for HGHS Langman, and the fulltime score was 54 goals to 31.
Lodge Rangers Premier Reserve had a good 57-31 win over Allied HOB Premier.
In the Waikato university match between University Premier and University Premier Reserve, the score was 30 goals to 14 at halftime and the fulltime score was 56 goals to 32.
Lodge Rangers Premier had a big win over FTNC Premier despite a closer first half.
The halftime score was 30 goals to 20, but the damage was done in the second half, with the fulltime score being 63 goals to 36.
Te Awamutu College (TAC) Senior Premier and Waikato Diocesan for Girls Premier each won two quarters in their game.
At halftime, the score was 16 goals to 13, and the fulltime score was 26 to 24 for Waikato Diocesan.
The new-look younger HGHS Old Girls Premier won the first two quarters and drew the third in their game against St Paul’s Collegiate Premier.
At halftime, the score was 16 goals to 12, and the fulltime score was 32 goals to 30.
For HGHS Old Girls Premier, Kharli McMillan at goal shoot was calm and collected before shifting to goal attack in the second half, where she continued to stay composed under pressure.
There were precise feeds from Iwa Hona at wing attack, who consistently delivered accurate balls to the shooters.
Angela Lakokiperitania at goal keep made a strong impact, applying relentless pressure on the opposition shooters and securing crucial turnovers.
This, combined with the team’s overall grit and composure, helped achieve a hard-fought win.
For St Paul’s Collegiate Premier, it was a closely contested match, with the team showing determination to stay in touch throughout.
With a very new and relatively inexperienced line-up, this was a pleasing first performance together.
It was encouraging to see the work-ons from training evident on court, with players executing key aspects of the game plan.
The team showed great composure and potential, setting a strong foundation.
Ngā Taiātea Wharekura had a close game against Northern United Sports Club Mamba, with Mamba taking an early lead, but by halftime Ngā Taiātea Wharekura led by 22 goals to 16.
Mamba then won the next two quarters, but it was not enough, with the fulltime score being 36 goals to 34.
For Ngā Taiātea Wharekura, the first game of the season was marked as a moment in history.
It was a tough, hard-fought game against Mamba, who set a high standard and challenged Ngā Taiātea Wharekura in every quarter.
This intensity and quality pushed the team to perform at their best. They were fortunate to come away with the win, and know there is plenty more work ahead.
For Mamba, it was a very close game, and they were disappointed to lose momentum in the second quarter.
Turangawaewae Premier started their second season with a win over St Peter’s Premier, with the score at halftime being 28 goals to 19.
St Peter’s had a massive third and final quarter to close the gap to just three goals, with the fulltime score being 43 goals to 40.
The Tūrangawaewae Premier team entered the season building on the learnings and experiences gained from last season.
This opening game was a tough challenge, but the team showed resilience and determination to come away with the win.
It was also a special occasion celebrating three debut players: Ngawaero Kaio Koroheke, Hylan Potts and Macey Ali’imatafitafi, who have all settled nicely into the team.
For St Peter’s, it was a full team effort and a positive start to the season.
It was a slow first quarter, but the team improved throughout to pull back the scoreline to secure a bonus points.