The Whanganui premier netball season opens with high scoring wins by all three victors

Kaierau goal attack Ashlee Murphy witnesses yet another attempt from goal shoot Te Reo Paki in their team's 57-41 win over Whanganui High School during Monday's premier season opener.

The opening salvos of round one of the Whanganui Premier 1 Netball Championships are an unlikely reflection of performances to come as the season progresses.

All three of Monday night's opening match-ups were won by sizeable margins that did not necessarily reflect the run of play.

Defending champions Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau dispatched Phillips Electrical Whanganui High School 57-41, but coach Walter Edmonds was far from dismissing the championship chances of the losing side.

"It was a start for us and a good start, but the score certainly did not reflect the run of play," Edmonds said.

"WHS is in development mode and will bounce back strongly as the season unfolds. They shut us down quite well in the shooting circle and through midfield. We still have a lot to work on as do WHS and I was particularly pleased with the performance of our young Whanganui Girls College student Leigh Stormont.

"She used her considerable height and reach to the ball at goal defence for us."

Kaierau led throughout steadily adding to their tally in all four quarters.

Last season's runners-up Kaiwhaiki also led throughout to beat Mere Te Aroha 68-44, while competition newcomers Cullinane weakened after leading the first two quarters to finish 20 points in arrears of Marist A1 (47-27).

Kaiwhaiki coach Te Rina Peina was also under no illusions the losing sides from opening night would bounce back with a vengeance.

"It was a pretty good win first up I must admit and good to get that one out of the way," Peina said.

"It was pretty physical game and although we were ready for that, there were a few tired legs at the end of it. Thankfully we all have a week off with no games on Queen's Birthday Monday.

"I was particularly pleased with our shooters, especially goal attack Te Rangi-Marie Maihi who ended with some really good percentages. But it's going to be a long, hard season with a double lot of round robin play to cater for the six team format. I'm picking things will change throughout the season."

Cullinane had valid reasons for wilting late in the game against Marist A1 with main shooter and team captain Shannah Andrews away on a school geography trip.

"That left the way open for young Year 9 student Waimarie Whanarere to step in at goal shoot and she had the opposition scurrying when we had a solid lead after the first two quarters," coach Tash Bullock said.

"It was her first time playing for Cullinane let alone her first time in premier. The girls played well, but just lost a bit of concentration and intensity later in the game. It will be a long season, but our girls are fit and will out-run most of the other teams."

Marist coach Donna Jeffrey said she was pleased her girls had put practice plans out on court after a shaky start.

"We were a bit slow to start with first game nerves kicking in, but once we found our rhythm we had a brilliant third quarter and ran away with the game. I was pleased we managed to put practice into play. Our player of the day was young Shandi Muir who played at centre all game. She just ran all day and took control when it mattered," Jeffrey said.