First-round fixtures for seniors were held at Wellington Park on Thursday night, with Strikers taking out the division one grand final rematch over Matariki A, 27-23. 

Strikers players Tamara Holder and Ann-Maree Giles were instrumental in their team’s winning start to the season along with Stephanie Smith and Latasha Venz.

Matariki A youth player Danica Crebbin was great on debut for her team while Marita Alexander was also a standout for the returning champions.

In the second game of the top division HV & IS came away winners against GSCC, 26-22, after a slow start to the game.

HV & IS centre Danielle Uys and wing attack Maddison Gorman were excellent for their team while GSCC’s Carmen Preston and Phoebe Ryder were star performers.

In division 2, Tigers defeated Sapphires 33-25, scoring most of their goals in the second and fourth quarters. 

Tigers goalkeeper and defender Danielle Philpot was a rock at the back of the court for her team while goal attack Kimberley Norrish was busy at the opposite end.

Sapphires goalkeeper Rachel Dunne did a commendable job in defence together with goal defence Jacinta Hughes.

A strong fourth quarter by Matariki Just Do It meant they were the eventual winners against Matariki B, 29-24, in a game that was mostly neck-and-neck.

Just Do It offensive players Tillyah Toamau and Delamea Winerra netted the majority of their team’s goals.

Matariki B players Isaiah Retchford and Kimberley Larkin were the highest scorers for their team.

In division 3, NQR Vixens recorded a big win over Workpac Wildcats, 39-20.

Vixens goal defender Eliza Harris and goal shooter Bae Rae (10 goals) were outstanding.

Wildcats players Rachel Schultz and Ainsley Luparia put in a great shift in the defensive third of the court all game long.

Gems fought off a fourth-quarter comeback from 2PH Super Nova to win their game by one goal, 37-36.

Gems goal shooter Amanda Wellington bagged a huge 22 goals for her team accompanied by goal attacker D’Neeka McLeod.

Super Nova player Eliza Durham scored a leading 18 goals for her team.

2PH Joeys triumphed over Bullets, 23-8, after Joeys players Elizabeth Toeke (14 goals) and Kim Curtis (9 goals) dominated the attack throughout the match.

In division 4, 2PH Redbacks were in control from the get-go against Pythons, winning 44-14.

Redbacks players Cindy Kelleher (25 goals) and Lenore Krutzfeldt (8 goals) had notable performances while Pythons’ Kayleigh Knight (7 goals) was her team’s standout.

Thunder defeated Diamonds, 37-26, in a high scoring affair.

 Thunder players Chynead Boynton and Claire Corrigan were the leading goal scorers for their side while Diamonds’ Louezia Piece scored the most for the losing side.

Jelant Vixens were too good for Tigers Too, winning their opening game 23-9.

Vixens players Louise Coden and Hayley Whiting were outstanding for their team while Tigers Too players Hannah Marshall and Steph Campbell stoodout.

In division 5, Stingers beat Socialites, 39-1, in a one-sided affair while Atull Plumbing Vixens defeated Lifesavers, 43-13.