RAMS STEP UP TO TOP NETBALL

Local teams will have a big say in Hutt Valley premier netball this season with three Upper Hutt sides in the eight-team competition for the first time. Upper Hutt Maidstone United will again be represented by two sides. The club had a successful last season with the top team bettered only by their nemesis Naenae White before heading to Regional Super League play. The club’s young second squad then won the premier second round title for a first time. Jody Robertson will coach the UHMU 1 side and Dean Komene the seconds. The arrival of the Upper Hutt Rams into the top flight play is the immediate talking point of the new season. The Ramsmore than proved themselves in a foundation season where they fielded six teams through the grades. The club’s top side played their way out of premier two and in the cut-throat second round were good enough to make the semi-finals. That top four placing guaranteed their promotion and came at the expense of the long established Convent Old Girls. The Rams will be led by Courtney Kauika-Stevens under the coaching combination of Piwi Pene and Wai Cross. Rams playrs are Tamara Hamiora, Kelly-Anne Robertson, Nate Taufatoutai, Sarah Landsey, Ashley Walker, Ngaire Chalmers, Mel Chase, Mariane Langi, River Kawana and Eden Hepi.

Saturday’s opening games in Hutt Valley premier one netball, with all games at Taita’s Walter Nash Stadium, are: UH Rams vs Naenae Blue (9.30am); UH Maidstone United 1 v High School Old Girls (9.30am); UH Maidstone United 2 v Ulalai (11am)