Eight-team A-grade competition as Maitland celebrates 70 years of netball

Last year’s premiers Hills Solicitors and beaten grand finalists The George Tavern will again be title favourites, both fielding strong teams, with the majority of 2016 players returning.

Mel Morris returns for Hills Solicitors after taking a year off to have a baby and The George’s Laura Nolan is back fighting fit after recovering from a knee reconstruction.

It will be a huge year of netball with 220 teams competing this year from under-7 through to seniors.

The Maitland Netball Association is also running its successful Net Set Go program for beginners.

Association president Kim Starkey said the season started a month earlier this year and would include a number of events to mark the netball’s 70^th anniversary in Maitland.

Saturday’s opening day will feature a march past by teams from 9.45am, with the association’s Maitland Park facility to be a sea of colour.

Starkey said the expansion to eight teams mean that last year’s bye will be avoided and she expected plenty of challengers to Hill Solicitors and The George Tavern’s recent domination of the competition.

“Last year’s third placed team Royal Federal Hotel consists of many new members including several on the Maitland 21’s rep team,” Starkey said.

“Deenah Harvey will be well supported through the centre court with the return of Sarah Richards and Kate Summers.

“Branxton is fielding a second team in A grade, Branxton GMP which comprises half of last year’s Royal Federal Members and plenty of new comers.

 “It is a real family affair with three sets of sisters playing together and we will see all three Mills girls in the one team for the first time. 

“Rugby Black’s Tolsaf Cranes have been thrust into A-grade after taking out the A2 final last year.

“They have had a steady rise to A grade and will be in the mix for the top four spot.

“Maitland Carpet Court – are a newly formed team with some well know tough competitors. Nicki Robinson and Melissa Lidbury will strengthen the team which is a mix of old and young.

“They are probably dark horses and could be real contenders for the finals if things click for them.

“Bradford Hotel– will be hunting for a top-four berth again this year. Jess Stephens will lead an experienced team who have plenty of representative and metro league experience.

“Club City Maitland are also looking to perform well in 2016. As a team that has played together over several years and are looking forward to a strong year with the return of Alanna Harris and Kylee Howell

Meawhile, Kurri Kurri Netball Association has welcomed its newly surfaced netball courts in time for a representative carnival on Sunday, featuring teams from all over the state.

It’s a busy weekend for netball in the Cessnock district with the Cessnock District Netball Association’s 2017 season starting on Saturday.

1pm – The George v Tolsaf Cranes

Maitland Carpet Court v GMP Branxton

2.30pm – Club City Maitland v The Bradford   

Hills v Royal Federal Hotel.