Indoor Open Grade Premier 2025: 4th September Promotion Relegation

 

By Judy Macdonald

Indoor Open Grade Premier Results - Promotion Relegation 

• HGHSOG Premier 38 vs University of Waikato Premier Reserve 41
• Marist Verdettes Premier 27 vs Te Awamutu College Premier 59
• Vetora Melville Premier 38 vs Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Premier 42

The promotion relegation games to determine the teams for the 2026 Premier Indoor netball competition were played on Thursday, 4 September 2025 at The Peak. There was great spectator support at these games and the games did not disappoint.

HGHSOG Premier (8^th in Premier A) and University of Waikato Premier Reserve (1^st in Premier B) played to determine who would be in Premier A next season and there was nothing in this game. Both teams show grit and commitment throughout the 60 minutes. At the end of first quarter HGHSOG led by 10 goals to 9 but by half time University of Waikato Premier Reserve led by 19 goals to 18.  They were able to further increase their lead in the third quarter to be ahead 32 goals to 30. The final quarter was tightly contested with University of Waikato Premier Reserve taking the win 41 goals to 38.

 

Vetora Melville Premier (8^th in Premier B) were challenged by Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Premier (1^st in Saturday Premier Reserve) and Marist Verdettes Premier (7^th in Premier B) were challenged by Te Awamutu College Premier (2^nd in Saturday Premier Reserve).

 

Te Awamutu College Premier had a good win over Marist Premier, and they led from start to finish winning every quarter. At half time, the score was 26 goals to 15 and the fulltime score was 59 goals to 27. There was some nice phases of play from both teams.

 

The game between Melville Premier and Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Premier was strongly contested. This was a nail-biting game with both teams wanting the win. At the end of the first quarter Melville Premier led by 12 goals to 11. At half time Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Premier led by 23 goals to 21. By end of third quarter the game was drawn at 32 goals. Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Premier were able to finish strongly to take the win 42 goals to 39. There really was not much at all between these teams.

 

Premier A for 2026 will include Align Health Rangers Premier, Align Health Rangers Premier Reserve, Allied HOB Collins Premier, FTNC Premier, FTNC Premier Reserve, HGHS Langman, University of Waikato Premier and University of Waikato Premier Reserve. 

Premier B will include Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Premier, Northern United Sports Club Mamba, St Paul’s Premier, St Peter’s Premier, Te Awamutu College Premier, Turangawaewae Premier and Waikato Diocesan for Girls Premier. 

It is sad to see Melville Premier and Marist Premier depart the competition in 2026 but it will add a new and interesting dynamic to have another two new school aged teams in the Premier B competition.