The annual Geraldine Hodgson netball tournament was played at Saxton Courts over Anzac weekend.
Thirty-six teams entered in the competition, ranging from junior year 7 school teams through to premier grade.
The Grade A competition was still strong despite last year’s Premier grade winners, Richmond, noticeably absent from the tournament. That left no surprises, Jacks OPD and Prices battling it out in the final.
The two matches played against each other showed that this year’s competition will be very tough, with a 22-22 score when the teams met during the round and a highly-contested final with Jacks OPD winning by one point on the final whistle.
Stalwart Leanne Cook led from the front at GA and Tineill Stevenson proved strong through midcourt for Jacks OPD. The Nelson College for Girls A team held their own in the Grade A competition, showing good potential for the season ahead.
Despite the wet weather on Sunday, competition went ahead and players didn’t seem to notice the drizzle as they enjoyed being back on the court ready for another great season ahead.
Results: Grade A, Jacks OPD beating Prices by one point, Grade B, Jacks Pro Netball 16 vs Motueka High School A 13, Grade C, Richmond Sleepers 17 vs Rival Blue Diamonds 12, Grade D, Wanderers Ale House 10 vs Rival Odds & Evens 8, Junior A Golden Bay High School 15 vs Waimea 9A 13 and Junior B winner [based on results] Nayland 9A.
