Regional league kicks off

Wellington is a step closer to a rigorous elite netball competition with the long- awaited regional competition beginning tomorrow.

The Regional Super League will also allow Wellington's best, including Pulse captain Cushla Lichtwark, to finally kiss goodbye to wintry weather at the Hataitai courts.

Lichtwark, who will play for Wellington East as long as her injured ankle pulls up well from the ANZ Championship, has given the format the thumbs up.

"It's a good move to involve the entire region," she said.

"It will give players tough week-in, week-out competition, which is what they need heading into the NPC and national under-19 and under-21 tournaments.

"Playing indoors also guarantees full pace games."

The four-month RSL aims to provide a training ground for the Pulse and prepare rookies such as New Zealand schoolgirls defender Emma Weenink for a higher level. At the other end of the spectrum, established Samoan representatives Gene Solia and Claresta Andrew will juggle the RSL around international commitments.

Hutt Valley and Wellington premier one grades have wound up, while Wairarapa, Kapi-Mana and Kapiti have selected regional teams. Wellington Girls' College have also qualified among the 12 sides.

New Zealand assistant coach Waimarama Taumaunu and Cook Strait coach Lynette Imrie are at the helm of their respective clubs. Six Pulse players, including agile defender Bessie Manu and shooting star Te Amo Amaru-Tibble, are listed.

Representatives from past years are flyer and Wellington midcourter Tia Rameka and Evelina Fa'amausili.

Paula Griffin's younger sister Kelly, an Auckland age-group rep, is listed for SMOG 1. Most of Wellington's Cook Strait team are spread among Wellington and Hutt Valley teams.

Only two franchise players will be allowed per side, leaving Amaru-Tibble and Neesha Wieser relegated to division two for PIC 2, while Magic midcourter Frances Solia has no plans to be involved.

Division one will be contested by PIC 1, Wellington East 1, St Mary's Old Girls, Naenae Collegians 1, Naenae Collegians 2, and Kapi Mana.

PIC 1 play Naenae Collegians 2 at Walter Nash tomorrow night, while Kapiti play Wellington Girls' at Te Rauparaha. The remainder of the first round will be played on Saturday.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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