Netball: Eight is enough for netballs premier competition

WHS's Kelera Kuruyabaki against Kaieraus Rachel Lynch in last years Wanganui premier netball final. Photo/File

An expanded eight team competition with two sets of silverware marks the start of the Wanganui premier netball competition at Springvale Stadium tonight.

After the final grading games at the weekend, Netball Wanganui executive officer Robyn Walford said eight teams had gone through, compared to six in 2013.

They will all play each other once in round robin competition, with the top four teams going through to the championship semifinals, while the rest will play off for the plate.

Nga Tawa A, who finished third in 2013, have departed.

The teams in order of qualification are defending champions Wanganui High School, East Club Sportsedge, Kaierau, Marist, Kaiwhaiki, Taihape, Cullinane and Collegiate.

Walford said the focus for 2014 was developing more teams and players.

Theres three secondary school teams this year. I think once the two groups split you will see some exciting matches.

The 6pm opening round sees WHS take on Collegiate and Marist v Kaiwhaiki. At 7.45pm, Sportsedge play Cullinane and Kaierau face Taihape.