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ters teaming up with the dynamic Paige O’Brien, Ella Sowman and rising talent Liz Pousima. Shooters Emily Flynn and Anel Moli may be new to premier but are an established combination. Glover will also provide flair and energy in a fluid attacking end. The team is versatile, fast and athletic and is expected to bring plenty of spirit to their games.

Marlborough Girls’ College

Liquid Action: Delyth JamesSitters, Izzy Tupouto’a, Hazel Glover, Emily Flynn, Poppy-Jo Lane, Anel Moli, Paige O’Brien, Ella Sowman, Brooke Harper, Elizabeth Pousima. Coach: Bek Scherp.

Pelorus

Pelorus will also field two premier sides, one who will train regularly, the other made up of players, many of whom have vast experience, who will participate on a more casual basis. Despite that, there is enough talent and depth in both Pelorus sides to make them very dangerous propositions.

Their Pelorus Edridge Contracting side, last year’s beaten finalists, will rely on the shooting prowess of Paige Lovell, coupled with the courtcraft of middies Jordy Peipi, Laura Evans and Brittney Lyons. Kelly West is an experienced hand, as is accomplished defender Danelle Moffat.

After a very successful time in grade one last year the Pelorus Gill Construction side has talent aplenty and will be a constant threat, despite not training together. Cara Gallop, Karli Murphy, Kate Gaudin, Bonnie Morris, Kelsie Fitzpatrick, Katie Bradley and Anna Thomas are seasoned performers, offering versatility and big match temperament.

Pelorus Edridge Contracting: Paige Lovell, Megan Cosgrove, Kelly West, Ella Smith, Laura Evans, Jordy Peipi, Brittney Lyons, Ana Horncastle, Danelle Moffat. Coaches: Laura Evans, Courtney Taufa.

Pelorus Gill Construction: Cara Gallop, Karli Murphy, Kate Gaudin, Anna McDermid, Bonnie Morris, Kelsie Fitzpatrick, Michelle MacDonald, Katie Bradley, Anna Thomas, Liv Pinkerton, Charlene Wills. Coach Cara Gallop, manager Tracey Moanaroa.

Tokomaru

It is all change at the Pictonbased club this season, with just one player from last year’s premier squad returning.

Shannon McManaway was part of the 2022 squad, and is back, along with shooter Gemma Hika, who played a few games towards the end of a difficult season. Gone this year are such stalwarts as Hana and Kayla Wilson, plus Geneva Hoggard. Gemma, Ayla Looms, Chloe Devir, Hayley Turoa, Jade Shallcrass and Tamara Acott were part of the Tokomaru grade one side last year and step up together. What the side lacks in terms of premier experience they will no doubt make up for in spirit and youthful energy.

Tokomaru: Ayla Looms, Chloe Devir, Gemma Hika, Hayley Turoa, Jade Shallcrass, Mahina Henry-Campbell, Naomi Brownlee, Paige Smith, Shannon McManaway, Tamara Acott. Coach:

Vanessa Hika.

The New World premier grade competition begins on Tuesday, May 2 and will be played over three rounds, followed by semifinals and a final. There will be promotion/relegation this season. The other senior grades, along with Year 7-8 and Year 5-6 players, begin on May 6. Future Ferns open their season on May 5. Teams will have a chance to stretch their legs and hone their combinations in the Preseason Tournament, scheduled for Lansdowne Park on Sunday, April 29. Umpiring workshops will be held on May 22, June 26 and July 24.

2023 Season Dates:

Tournaments:

Pre-season Tournament (Blenheim): April 29

Geraldine Hodgson (Nelson): April 1

Top of the south U16, U18 & Senior: June 11

Tupuranga Champs U16: June 3-5

Christchurch U18: June 3-5

Wellington U16: June 18

Wellington Dale Wortman U18: June 25

SISS: July 3-5

Celebration Box U18 Hamilton: July 10-13

South Island Masters: October 14-15