Netball games postponed at the weekend out of respect for the Wigmore family of Titikaveka will be played out this afternoon at the Telecom Sports Arena with most of the round one games played out on Saturday.

The arena was a buzz of activity and excitement as keen netball players took to the courts starting with the future of the sport in the under 10 division.

There was loads of action in the Tupapa and Arorangi under 10 game with the taller and more skilled Tupapa side too superior for the tenacious babes in the Arorangi side.

Tupapa also stood out in their gorgeous new uniforms in the club’s traditional black and white colours with island flora patterns which was worn with pride by the little netters.

Despite the Arorangi team’s lack of height and experience, the little netters never stopped chasing the ball and trying to get the ball to their goal shooter.

Meanwhile Tupapa attacked every ball and pounced on any loose passes with a couple of stunning intercepts drawing cheers and claps from grandmothers, mothers and aunts coaching from the sidelines.

Tupapa flew home to take out the game 21-0 but as MC Robert Graham announced to the Arorangi team – it’s only the first game of the season and there’s plenty of time to improve their game.

While Tupapa dominated and won most of the age grade division games against Arorangi – the ladies from the wild west defeated Tupapa in the under 15 and open two grades.

The Tupapa premier grade dominated Arorangi to win 62-39.

Avatiu also had a successful day on the courts and won 7 of their 8 games against Takuvaine with the valley ladies in the open one division defeating Avatiu 44-33.

In the premier grade division the Avatiu side meant business beating Takuvaine 67-42.

Today’s games at the TSA will start at 2pm with the Titikaveka under 8 grade taking on Avatiu before the Titikaveka clubs remaining grades take on Ngatangiia.

Unfortunately the Ngatangiia club are not fielding teams in the open one and two divisions as well as the premier grade this year.

Round two games will see Takuvaine meet Titikaveka, Avatiu play Tupapa and Ngatangiia battle with Arorangi.

Get along to the arena and support your club.

- Matariki Wilson

Results: Tupapa vs Arorangi – Under 10-Tupapa 21 vs Arorangi 0, Under 15-Tupapa 8 vs Arorangi 13, Under 12-Tupapa 10 vs Arorangi 5, Junior open-Tupapa 22 vs Arorangi 17, open two-Tupapa 21 vs Arorangi 34, Reserves-Tupapa 59 vs Arorangi 14, Premiers-Tupapa 62 vs Arorangi 39.

Avatiu vs Takuvaine – Under 10-Avatiu won by default over Takuvaine, Under 12-Avatiu 16 vs Takuvaine 2, Under 15-Avatiu 32 vs Takuvaine 17, Junior open-Avatiu 43 vs Takuvaine 36, open two Avatiu 36 vs Takuvaine 8, open one-Avatiu 33 vs Takuvaine 44, Reserves-Avatiu 68 vs Takuvaine 18, Premiers-Ava 67 vs Takuvaine 42.

Today’s draw – 2pm-under 8 Titikaveka vs Avatiu, 2.30pm-Under 10 Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, 3pm-Under 12 Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, 3.35pm-Under 15 Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, 5pm-Reserves Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia