Indoor Open Grade Premier 2026: 21 May Week 5

By Judy Macdonald



Jorja Metcalfe at WA for FTNC Premier Reserve


Lodge Hamilton City Netball Centre Indoor Premier Results 

Premier Week 5

FTNC Premier 42 vs University of Waikato Premier 42

Allied HOB Premier 33 vs HGHS Langman 60

University of Waikato Premier Reserve 50 vs Lodge Rangers Premier Reserve 59

FTNC Premier Reserve 32 vs Lodge Rangers Premier 81

Te Awamutu Senior Premier 46 vs HGHS OG Premier 47

St Paul’s Collegiate Premier 20 vs Turangawaewae Premier 62

Northern United Sports Club Mamba 38 vs Waikato Diocesan for Girls Premier 30

St Peter’s Premier 49 vs Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Premier 39

 

Premier A

The game between FTNC Premier and University of Waikato Premier saw the first draw of the round. The game was a nail bitter. At end of first quarter FTNC Premier led by 17 goals to 11 and at half time the score was 28 goals to 23. The third quarter was a draw with the score being 38 goals to 33 and then University Premier were able to win the final quarter resulting in a draw with the score being 42 goals apiece. For FTNC Premier experienced campaigner, captain and goalkeeper Hannah Ridling played a key role in guiding the side through the pressure moments, leading from the back. Ridling was outstanding in the defensive circle, using her experience and court presence to disrupt play and steady the side when momentum shifted. Her leadership was evident throughout the match as she directed those around her. Through the midcourt, Georjah Riley-Huaki showed her work ethic and influence, tirelessly transitioning between attack and defence. Riley-Huaki continued to guide her side through the middle of the court, working hard on both attack and defence and helping keep her side composed throughout key periods.  Riley-Huaki was replaced with Amiria Te Rangi who brought fresh energy onto the court and maintaining the intensity through the middle. At the shooting end, Hannah Ngawhika with her calm presence and leadership in the circle helped steady the attacking unit, providing confidence and direction for the newer players around her during some highly contested passages of play. For several players the game also provided a first taste of the physicality and intensity that comes with premier-level netball. For University Premier it was a tight game, with the team improving each quarter. The final quarter the team played very well, moving their game up a notch both on defense and attack and showing real grit and momentum. Overall, a pleasing effort from the very young team, the oldest only 20 years. 

Kiaarah Wilson at GS for University of Waikato Premier being defended by Eirlys Keats at GD for FTNC Premier


Lodge Rangers Premier Reserve had a competitive game against University of Waikato Premier Reserve. Rangers Premier Reserve had a good start to led by 18 goals to 11 at end of first quarter and strengthened their lead to be ahead 35 goals to 24 at half time. The third quarter was a draw with the score being 49 goals to 38. University Premier Reserve were able to claw back a couple of goals in the final quarter with the score being 59 goals to 50. Rangers Premier Reserve were determined to start strong at the first whistle, as wanted and needed the win. A solid performance by Mereaina Alexander at goal shoot and Keeley Jones at goal attack saw the team go from strength to strength. Some positional changes were made at the defensive end to try and starve the opposition shooting circle possession. The second half was a close encounter. The team were very lucky to have had a strong start at the beginning, taking the win. University Premier Reserve fought hard and showed immense resilience but couldn't quite contain the opposition's fast-paced transitions and shooting accuracy.  The speed of Sammie Le Bas at wing attack was incontestable across all four quarters.  In the last quarter defensive duo of Kellie Phillips at goal keep and Alex Abrahams at goal defence created several gains and despite a late-game rally, the team just couldn't close the gap to overcome the deficit.

Sammie Le Bas at WA for University of Waikato Premier Reserves

                                                   

HGHS Langman led from start to finish winning every quarter in their game against Allied HOB Premier. At half time they led by 34 goals to 17 and they won the game 60 goals to 33.

Alicia Archbold at C for Allied HOB Premier


Lodge Rangers Premier were dominant in their game against FTNC Premier Reserve. At half time they led by 42 goals to 21 and they won the game 81 goals to 32.

Lucy Morris at WD for Rangers Premier


Premier B

Te Awamutu Senior Premier and HGHS OG Premier had a game of two halves. At end of first quarter Te Awamutu led by 20 goals to 10 and at half time they led by 33 goals to 20. Then in the third quarter HGHS OG were dominant with the score being 42 goals to 35 and they continued this form into the final quarter to win the game by 47 goals to 46. The HGHS OGs fought hard in a thrilling match after a slow start with the team struggling to shut down the opposition tall goal shoot and making some uncharacteristic errors. The team showed resilience and determination to stay in the contest. With tight defensive pressure and crucial turnovers from Caya Haggie at wing defence, the team began to close the gap in the third quarter. Nevaeh Mathewson at wing attack delivered pinpoint accurate passes into the circle, while Kahukura Ham at goal attack kept the scoreboard ticking over with impressive long-range shooting. The final quarter was intense, with the energy and support from the bench lifting the team right to the end. It was a full team effort both on and off the court, with Raisa Fuimaono sinking the winning shot with just 10 seconds left on the clock to secure a narrow but exciting victory. The Te Awamutu team turned up with a display of confidence and dominance in the first half. With a disciplined feeder to shooter connection between Steph Ryan at goal shoot and Rylee Poa Dampney at wing attack the team closed out the first half with a strong lead. The second half of the game saw a heavy reliance on defence skills with the circle defence working hard to maintain pressure. The final quarter was anyone’s game with both teams fighting hard and while the result while disappointing, it was a game that showcased technical netball and true competition by both teams.

 

Northern United Sports Club Mamba won their game in the first three quarters against Waikato Diocesan for Girls Premier. At end of first quarter the score was 10 goals to 6 and at half time 18 goals to 9. The third quarter was close with the score being 30 goals to 20 with Waikato Diocesan winning the final quarter. The fulltime score was 38 goals to 30. For Waikato Diocesan it was a strong start with a new look shooting circle which the team adjusted well to and indicated promising combinations. Although in the middle stages of the game the team were a bit shaky, they finished strong and did well to close the score gap. Mamba used their whole bench making changes at each quarter to good effect for the most part. Good team play saw them take the win.

 

St Peter’s Premier and Ngā Taiātea Wharekura Premier had a competitive and reasonably close game. Ngā Taiātea Wharekura won the first quarter but by half time St Peter’s had taken the lead with the score being 26 goals to 25. St Peter’s were strong in the second half winning the game 49 goals to 39.

 

Turangawaewae Premier led from start to finish winning every quarter in their game against St Paul’s Collegiate Premier. At half time the score was 35 goals to 6 and the fulltime score was 62 goals to 20. For Turangawaewae they had players stepping into different positions this week, with both Pare Kaihau and Ngawaiora Kaio-Koroheke with strong performances. Pare, who has been playing at wing defence this year, impressed at wing attack with the way she connected effortlessly with the shooters, giving Macey Ali’imatafitafi the opportunity to turn and shoot confidently from anywhere in the circle. The youngest player, Ngawaiora, usually plays in circle but completed a full game at wing defence, doing an awesome job bringing the ball down and adapting well.

 

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