NETBALL Netballers prepare for season

It is back to the future for Marlborough’s premier netball fraternity this season.

Once again six teams will battle for supremacy in the region’s top club competition, after just four sides filled premier ranks in 2022. The return to a half dozen sides will add variety and depth to a competition that became rather routine last year, meaning three matches will be played each Tuesday evening at Stadium 2000. Involved in premier play this year will be two teams from both the Harlequins and Pelorus clubs, plus sides from Tokomaru and Marlborough Girls’ College.

Harlequins

Harlequins Indevin, the 2022 champions, will field a well-balanced combination, buoyed by such stalwarts as ever-energetic midcourter Bridget Gane, shooters Lauren Murray and Kelsee

Powell, versatile livewire Wiri Bristowe, defender Mackenzie Baird, plus middies Maighan Watson and Sophie Robinson. Fiaali’i Solomona, a standout with MGC over the past two seasons, is a notable addition, adding stability and shooting power at the attacking end, along with former Toko player Ramona Waikato.

Harlequins Fairweathers are a predominantly youthful squad, many coming up from grade one last season, plus a couple of new faces.

Joining the club from Cairns, Australia is Kirsty Boase. The former rep player brings experience to the defensive group where she will team up with Kaya Walsh and Jorja Bacchus. The midcourt duties will be han- dled by Zara Jopson, Bianca Bean Oliver, Phebe Allen and Marguerite Hood.

Aston Underwood’s height and elevation, teamed with Sophie Ridley-Scott’s calmness in the circle offer plenty of attacking possibilities.

Harlequins Indevin: Bridget

Gane, Lauren Murray, Ramona

Waikato, Fiaali’i Solomona, Kayla Collins, Kelsee Powell, Mackenzie Baird, Maighan Watson, Sophie Robinson, Wendy Trolove, Wiri Bristowe. Coach: Olivia Robinson.

Harlequins Fairweathers: Kirsty

Boase, Kaya Walsh, Jorja Bacchus, Zara Jopson, Bianca Oliver, Phebe Allen, Marguerite Hood, Aston Underwood, Sophie Ridley-Scott. Coaches Lesley Wilson, Grace Rodger.

MGC

There has been plenty of change in the MGC ranks, with just three regular premier players from last season returning.

Midcourter Delyth James-Sitters, the versatile Hazel Glover and defender Izzy Tupouto’a are back as the college side welcomes an influx of younger talent.

The team’s defensive end will see Tupouto’a combine with the energetic and skilled Poppy-Jo Lane, plus the athletic Brooke Harper. The midcourt will see James-Sit-