Hills Solicitors cast off any thoughts they may have a premiership hangover with an imposing 60-19 win against Hinton Hotel in the opening round of Maitland A-grade netball on Saturday.
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It was a sublime effort by the reigning premiers, however, their grand final opponents from last year The George Tavern began 2019 with an uncustomary loss going down to Club Maitland City 41-30.
But it was two 15-year-olds Jess Mossman and Sophie Hickling who were the stars of the round, playing huge roles in Nexus Power Comets' first-up 42-36 win against Tolsaf Cranes.
"It was great to get the win first up. Jess and Sophie definitely weren't out of place, if anything they were among our strongest performers," Comets player Kiona Sunerton said of her young teammates.
"They were so nervous leading up, they were worried about whether they were able to step up and play at that standard.
"They didn't want to let us down, but we wouldn't have won that game without those two kids on the court.
"It was really fantastic to get the win. We had to work hard for it and none harder than Jess and Sophie.
"With that win, they won't be doubting themselves now.
"We've won a game in A-1, let's go now and shake it up. Let's see what happens from now on."
Sunerton said the team had only retained five of last year's A-2 premiership team.
"It was always going to be hard to step up from A-2, we've only got four or five players who have come through. We only had three of last year's team on court on Saturday
"The other four players come from different teams, so the fact that it was our first game together as a unit and we got the win is really encouraging for the rest of the season.
"As we play together more there is really only room for improvement."
The George had four starters from last year's grand final, defenders Alyce Ham and Amy Williams, centre Laura Nolan and wing attack Ashlee Edwards, take the court against a CMC team ready to take the next step and challenge for the title.
CMC took control early and didn't relinquish it.
"I think for The George to lose, it has given everyone a bit of encouragement that the season will not just play out as it had for the past four or five years," Sunerton said.
"We're all in with a shot of mixing it up on our day.
"We've got the bye next and round three is against The George. We've under strength for that round and I know The George will be in a similar situation. But it should be a good indication of where we are for later in the year."