Cairns Netball column: Midweek fixtures a drawcard, big guns fire
All the netball news from around Far North Queensland is in Centre Pass, the Cairns Post’s weekly netball column. This week, the benefits of a new midweek schedule and one club’s promising start after a tough 2019.
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Cairns Netball Association’s Senior Division 1 competition made a successful transition to it’s new midweek timeslot on Wednesday night, with a big crowd on hand for the opening round of the winter season.
The abolishment of Friday night fixtures and a push to have more courts in play across Tuesday and Wednesday nights have been well-received and will only help to boost spectator numbers throughout the season.
It could also make this year’s Senior Division 1 competition one of the toughest in recent memory, as teams previously struggled for players and coaches on Friday nights.
■ Last year’s grand finalists both started the new season with healthy wins — defending premiers Sharks defeated Phoenix Fierce 49-37, while Leprechauns were the round’s biggest winners with a 46-23 trouncing of Tigers.
> SHARKS START TITLE DEFENCE WITH WIN OVER FIERCE
But, for one of the clubs, the perfect start to the season will be short-lived, with a highly-anticipated grand final rematch locked in for Round 2.
And, believe me, you don’t want to miss this game.
Last time they met, Sharks claimed the premiership in dramatic fashion, taking a one-point victory in overtime.
Leps will be looking to exact revenge for 2019’s grand final defeat, while Sharks will be looking to assert their dominance in the new season.
■ Last year’s Senior Division 1 cellar-dwellers Trinity Beach Bulldogs have made their first appearance since making the move to the Senior Division 2 competition.
The Bulldogs had one of the youngest squads in the top division last year and, after making the finals in 2018, finished the 2019 season with a 1-14 win-loss record.
> NETBALL CLUB PURSUES ITS OWN COURT OF DREAMS
They made the decision to drop down to the second division to be more competitive, and while it’s still early days, it’s seemed to have paid off.
After one round, the club has already equalled the number of wins they had last season, with a 43-33 win over Scorchers Blaze.
Originally published as Cairns Netball column: Midweek fixtures a drawcard, big guns fire