Only sponsors names separate the two Inglewood teams in the Bayleys premier one netball league. 

Last year's runners up Inglewood Pipetech Summit is joined by premier two winners Inglewood Central Roofing Apsiring after they earned promotion. 

For the first time in the club's history, the two teams played each other last week in the competition at the TSB Stadium. While Summit won 62-37, Aspiring will continue to train with the on-court foe as the season continues. 

Having two teams from the same club is not unusual for netball in Taranaki. Tysons featured two premier one teams two years ago in the grading round.

Summit captain Lauren Bayens said having two teams in one competition will expose a wider range of players to that level.

“It creates opportunities and depth for the club,” she said.

“It has also formed a more inclusive environment where we have been able to come together and train together to help support each other’s goals for the season.”

The Aspiring team include only a few players with ample premier one experience.

Co-captain Leah Chilcott (pictured) said they are owning their underdog title this season with lots of youth and a few new and returning faces to the club.

“We’ve had a bit of a disjointed start to our season with Covid affecting us having a full squad at any point, which is hard for a new team. But we have a group of versatile players eager to get out there and show everyone what they are made of.”

She said being able to train with the Summit team each week has been a bonus for the side.

“We are really excited to be able to be part of this Aspiring team making history.”

The Summit team features many of last year’s players. They will be under the coaching guidance of former player Erika Maifea and Wendy Williams.   

It’s a family affair for the club. Aspiring coach Tracy White is up against her sisters Wendy and Karen.

The Major sisters, Grace, Mechaela and Rebecca don on the Inglewood strip again for the Summit side.

On Thursday night, both the Inglewood teams will play at the TSB Stadium at 6:30pm.

Summit play in the top-of-the-table match against Tysons Toa, while Aspiring play New Plymouth Old Boys.

Click here for the full round’s draw.

Article added: Wednesday 20 April 2022