The colour and excitement of Winter competition netball returns to the Hagley Park Netball courts this Saturday with over 360 teams scheduled to play on the opening day.

Premier competition commences this coming week. This year sees Premier 1 competition take place on a Tuesday at Bishopdale. Eight teams will contest Premier 1. Premier 2 takes place on a Saturday indoors at the St Margaret's venue, also with eight teams.

The opening round of Premier 1 will see last year's top of the table finishers Lincoln University against Kereru B. Last year's big improvers and 2021 Club of the Year UC Netball will start their season against St Nicholas who finished top of Premier 2 last year. Saints will take on Technical and Kereru's A side will play Kia Toa.

Key players feature in all sides making for what will be a season of close game, franchise playing commitments permitting.

Saints have recruited Jess Maclennan who has returned to netball and has already been on the bench for the The Trident Homes Tactix. She adds to the experience of the team which also includes former Tactix and Silver Ferns Anna Kennedy (née Thompson) and Ellen Halpenny as well as National Netball League (NNL) captain Gemma Etheredge.

After a breakthrough season in 2021, UC also has the experience this year of Tactix players Samon Nathan and Vika Koloto. Last year's league leaders Lincoln University has retained the core of their 2021 premiership winning side which includes Tactix players Hannah Glen and Kate Lloyd, as well as new players sure to make an impact. These include Emma Wilkie (also in NNL), Emily Hargreaves and Libby Clayton who CNC supports through the Netball Scholarship Programme in partnership with Lincoln University. 

For Junior players competition also commences in the week starting 2 May on a Thursday through Saturday. 

Meanwhile a site blessing which represents the first steps to building a new home for netball in Canterbury in the form of the Netsal Facility will take place at Ngā Puna Wai on Friday 6 May from 9.30am.

CNC are very excited to be moving to this wonderful sporting hub and will be working with current partners, Sport Canterbury, Athletics Canterbury, Canterbury Rugby League, Canterbury Hockey and Canterbury Tennis to be able to continue to grow and improve sport and activity in the region.

CNC Transition Lead, Robbie Harlow said 'We are well aware of the positive impact sport and activity can provide within a community and we look forward to being able to contribute to one of the fastest growing community groups in Christchurch.'

Article added: Friday 29 April 2022