Premier competition got underway in Christchurch on Tuesday night to open the 2018 netball season for Christchurch Netball Centre.

2017 Christchurch Netball Centre competition winners Kereru start this season looking for an unprecedented four titles in a row. They are likely to face the most competition for this year’s title from last year’s runners up Technical A.

Kereru were untroubled in their opening match against Halswell, which saw the return of Maia Hill to competition in Christchurch. Hill was impressive shooting 28/32 in the opening half and shared the goal shooter bib with Juliana Nao’upu who came on in the second half.

Coach Riki Tumohe Clark was impressed with Hill’s return to the court after returning from Perth and recently having twin boys. ‘Maia had a great first game with us. Her hold and timing are second to none and provides a game that is quite similar to Juliana Nao’upu.’

Technical looked in fine form in their opening game against St Nicholas. Technical who have secured former Tactix players including Anna Thompson and Nicola Mackle and a number of Beko players, have also welcomed the return of Jess Prosser. Prosser was impressive shooting at 90 per cent and showing her flexibility in both the goal shoot and goal attack bib. Next week’s game against Lincoln University is likely to be more of a test.

Lincoln University took their opening match against Saints A 67-40 set up by a 17/7 opening quarter. Saints rallied in the second and third quarters with Danielle Kerwin taking the court in goal. Saints won the third quarter 14/13 but were unable to take the momentum into the final term, which Lincoln took 19/5.

This Saturday will see netball back at the Hagley Netball courts with the traditional Second Grade Tournament and an age grade preseason tournament for Under 15 to Under 12 teams. Saturday competition returns for all grades on Saturday 5 May. Juniors commence from Thursday, 3 May.

Kereru A 86 (Maia Hill GS1 28/32, Claudia Lewis GA1 14/22, Juliana Naoupu GS2 35/40, Kereana Harris GA2 9/12) def Halswell A 31 (Ali Doig GS1 20/23 GA2 4/4, Maddie Lysaght GA1 3/5, Megan Oliver GS2 4/4). Quarter scores: 21/7, 42/16, 64/23, 86/31.

Technical A 59 (Jess Prosser GS1 26/29 GA2 11/12, Anna Thompson GA1 12/14, GS2 4/5, Kiah Ralph GS2 6/9) def St Nicholas A 32 (Sarah Martyn GS 18/25, Grace Jones GA1 6/14, Laura Lowe GA2 8/13). Quarter scores: 18/5, 32/10, 44/23, 59/32.

Lincoln University A 67 (Bella James GS1 21/25, GS3 9/9, Kate Grant GA1 20/26, Annabel Adams GS2 10/19, Georgina Kelly GA2 7/12) def Saints A 40 (Heidi Schout GS1 7/11 GA2 12/19, Lauren Sim GA1 2/6 GA3 1/2, Danielle Kerwin GS2 18/20). Quarter scores: 17/7, 35/21, 48/35, 67/40.