The 2024 Netball NSW Premier League was officially launched on Wednesday, 20 March at Netball Central, and what a launch it was. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd was pumping and the games were thrilling. We were joined by Sporty Swift, GIA the GIANT, along with many other special guests and partners and we thank you all for joining us on such an exciting occasion.
U23s Round Report
- North Shore United v Panthers (44 – 55)
With new faces joining both these teams in season 2024, this game was up for grabs and Panthers did the taking. With an experienced shooting end in Towson and Boylan, two big shooting quarters solidified their lead. United ensured their first match was not gone without a fight and a last quarter effort saw a 10-all scoreline.
- Manly Warringah Sapphires v ERNA Hawks (39 – 43)
New recruit Charlotte Ryan for ERNA Hawks U23s, well and truly proved her place leading the team with her shooting partner Jessica Johnston, a big 15-goal quarter setting the scene for their first game of the season. While the quarters ebbed and flowed between the two teams, Hawks start proved to be the key to their Round 1 win.
- UTS Randwick Sparks v GWS Fury (52 – 34)
A new look team for GWS Fury were headed into the Grand Final rematch against UTS Randwick Sparks to open their 2024 season. Sparks were out for revenge after losing out to Fury in the Grand Final last year, and they came out firing in Round 1, earning themselves a win and the title of ladder leaders.
- Central Coast Heart v South West Mounties MAGIC (44 – 41)
This game was extra special. South West Mounties MAGIC U23s debuted for their first match in the competition and an exciting match-up it was. Heart was not going to let their first match go easy and made sure to challenge this new team at each and every point. Congratulations to Heart on securing their first close win of the season.
- South Coast Blaze v Sutherland Stingrays (38 – 53)
The battle of the south was in action on Court 5. A relatively unchanged line-up for Sutherland Stingrays carried strong throughout the match, their final quarter performance showing just what they are looking to prove in 2024. 16-goals saw them clean up the game in that final quarter and solidified second place on the ladder for Round 1.
View the full U23s ladder here
Opens Round Report
- North Shore United v Panthers (65 – 43)
Their Grand Final appearance streak fell away last year but United are starting strong to prove just where they belong in 2024. Straight from the first whistle, United were firing, winning the first quarter 22-10. A few new faces joining the Panthers line-up in 2024 were determined to not let the game go without a fight, winning the final quarter. North Shore United are your ladder leaders for Round 1!
- Manly Warringah Sapphires v ERNA Hawks (48 – 55)
Now this was a Grand Final re-match everyone was waiting for. The last few matches for these two in 2023 were separated by mere goals and this first one for 2024, was anyone’s for the taking. After Sapphires took the Grand Final off minor Premiers in the ERNA Hawks, they started the game just how the finished it, taking the lead 14-13. Hawks showed why they were minor premiers last year, winning the final three quarters and ultimately the game.
- UTS Randwick Sparks v GWS Fury (40 – 45)
Many of the Fury U23s were promoted to the Opens team after their stellar Grand Final performance last year. They were out to impress, taking the first quarter 16-9 over Sparks. While Sparks won the second quarter, the remainder of the match was relatively even, and Fury’s performance in quarter one, earnt them a Round 1 win.
- Central Coast Heart v South West Mounties MAGIC (46 – 56)
With steady leader Gina Crampton at the helm, MAGIC were out to get the win in their first appearance in the Opens division of the Netball NSW Premier League. An outstanding 18-goal quarter lead by Alaalatoa and Clark put MAGIC in fine form to continue pushing ahead with their first match. Heart had some new faces join their team in 24, with McCulloch being promoted to the Opens side after a knee injury putting her out for most of her debut year in the U23s last year. An impressive performance from a new look team in Central Coast Heart was not enough to scare off the hungry debut team in South West Mounties MAGIC.
- South Coast Blaze v Sutherland Stingrays (56 – 60)
Abbey McCulloch was back in the coaching seat after her Grand Final win with the U23s in 2022, this time with the Opens. There are many familiar faces in the Stingrays Opens line-up from McCulloch’s recent Grand Final win, and her experience shown through in their first performance for 2024. With some inaugural retirements in the Blaze, new faces to their Opens line-up put up a fine performance and will be a team to look out for in 2024. Stingrays ultimately take their first win of the season.
View the full Opens ladder here
Click here to view all results from Round 1.
Don’t forget to tune in to the games next week, watch them wherever you are on netballnsw.tv. Sideline Sport has joined our team in 2024 as the new livestream partner of the Netball NSW Premier League. All games were LIVE, with Show Court and Court 1 being shown to our fans for free, aided by our ever capable commentary team, with Show Court joined by ABC Grandstand’s Brittany Carter – catch up on all the replays at netballnsw.tv.
Better yet, join us for the action LIVE at Netball Central. Tickets & Season Passes on sale NOW!
We can’t wait for Round 2!
