Round one of the Cobar Netball Association 2016 women’s competition began on the weekend with some great games of netball played across A and B grades.
With 13 teams, grading games were held over past weeks to determine grades, with teams graded on their potential ability.
A vastly improved Sharpe Shooters were welcomed into A Grade joining Cougars, Divas, Pumpettes and the Blues Opens teams.
The final team for the A Grade was the 15s Blues representative side who will welcome the experience of playing past and current representative netballers.
B Grade welcomes new teams: Here for Beer, OMG, The Knights, All Sorts and Mystics who have joined 2014-2015 team Hot Shots (previously Chicken Chow Mein).
Hot Shots proved their experience against the Mystics on Saturday, recording an impressive 43-35 win.
With Lauren Williams and Mandy Hewlett giving it their all in attack, the defence of Kate Faulkner in the centre court proved to be the difference.
Casey Piggott for Mystics was a standout in the defensive circle but Hot Shots’ shooter Gabbi Lennon shot with tremendous accuracy and is one to watch this season.
Here for Beer had a convincing win over OMG, winning 22-5.
Amy Stephens, as always, had a solid game and will be a strong contender for best and fairest points this year.
Irene O’Brien attempted to guide her team to a win with coverage all over the mid-court but OMG were unable to get a win this week.
In A Grade Blues Opens recorded a convincing win over a changed Pumpettes line up 49-28.
Sharpe Shooters had an impressive win over the 15s Blues side 34-11.
Sharpe Shooters were delighted with their performance with strong games played by Sam Dixon, Kristen Camery and Sarahjane Arthur.
After watching her performance on Saturday, it looks certain that Camery will be making attacking players work for every goal this season with her height and skill in defence.
Wilmein Kok and Hannah Carroll did not give up all game for the 15s and were given valuable court time to try and work towards a win.
With Cougars having the bye, Divas and Sparks fought it out with the Divas coming out on top.
Steph Baker had her normal solid attacking game but was forced to work for every shot by defenders Demi Smith and Corinna Brenton.
Johanna Strahl, playing only her second game of netball ever, was outstanding in Shooter and will be an asset to Sparks this year.
Best in attack for Divas was Corrine McLeod who dropped in goals from everywhere in the circle and was just outstanding to watch.
This week sees B Grade with a general bye while 15s have the A Grade bye.
Blues Opens will take on Cougars, Divas will play Pumpettes and Sharpe Shooters will meet Sparks in the match of the round.
