Tasmanian Netball League 2025 live stream: Cripps Waratah v South East Suns, Round 6

Cripps may have headed in as favourites but a young Suns outfit proved in defeat that even they can match it with a premiership contender. Watch the REPLAY here.

While they may have walked away with an important win, the second half fightback from a young South East Suns outfit proved why Cripps Waratah coach Aaron Pidgeon was wary heading into Saturday’s TNL clash.

The competition’s newest side, fresh off a massive win over Karana in round 5, put in one of their best ever state league showing’s against the perennial finalists in round 6.

CATCH THE OPENS REPLAY ABOVE AND THE U19’S BELOW

The 39-30 victory was one Cripps were made to work for throughout, with the Suns outscoring them 19-15 in the second-half.

After a tight first-term, a 12-4 second-quarter in Cripps favour proved to be the ultimate difference in the result with Suns coach Andrew Jackson left to rue what could have been.

Shooting trio Bellah Parker (15 goals), Sophie Pidgeon (14) and Matilda Franklin (10) all produced in the circle but it was Suns shooter Aimee Bean (17) that top scored.

The win took Cripps’ season record to 2-3 and fourth on the ladder while the Suns (1-4) slipped to seventh.

In the under 19s clash, it was Cripps who recorded a monster 75-31 win.

REPLAYS

South East Suns v Cripps (19&U) – 2025 Tasmanian Netball League Round 6

PREVIEW

While a new-look line-up has brought about a mixed start to its TNL season, Cripps Waratah coach Aaron Pidgeon isn’t shying away from another finals appearance as the main goal for his side this season.

The perennial finalists currently sit fifth on the ladder with a 1-3 record but have the chance to get their season somewhat back on track when they face South East Suns on Saturday.

The Cripps versus Suns clash will be live and exclusive on KommunityTV from 5.30pm with the U19s clash also available from 4pm.

With an overseas trip meaning Pidgeon has missed some time away from the hot seat, the highly respected leader is back this week and confident things are far better than his side’s record suggests.

“We’ve only played four matches across the (first) five rounds and we’ve been in a winnable position at half time in all three of the matches we’ve lost, two of which were narrow defeats,” Pidgeon said.

“We’ve also been missing arguably our best player in Alex Vinen for a few matches, and a starting goalie in all four of them – so we won’t be losing too much sleep over where we sit at the moment. We’ve got some work to do, but it’s only early.”

With Vinen missing and regular senior players Josie Greenwood, Sophie Navickas and Jess Owen departing over the off-season, it’s forced Pidgeon to deploy a number of fresh young faces into the line-up this season.

South East Suns captain Alanna Cooper and Cripps Waratah skipper Ashleigh Probert-Hill will meet in round 6 this Saturday. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

And while some coaches may see that as a challenge, Pidgeon believes it’s a sign of the club’s overall strength.

“We’ve got plenty of depth and versatility which will prove useful across the course of the season,” he said.

“We’ve got a young group on the whole, and the fact that nine of our 12 players have come through to Opens via our own 19&U program is something we’re really proud of – that we’re replenishing through development within the club and remaining highly competitive.”

After another competitive defeat against Kingston last week, it’s easy to understand why Pidgeon isn’t overly concerned about their lopsided win-loss start to the season.

A hard-fought 10-goal loss to reigning premiers Hawks was a game where they led in the early stages, while a poor second-half was again the reason for their 21-goal defeat at the hand of the Cavaliers in round 2.

And while Saturday’s clash presents a perfect opportunity to win a match where they’ll be considered favourites, Pidgeon knows the Suns can’t be taken lightly following a strong win over Karana last week.

“They’ve got an experienced defensive end, they’re hard at it, and they’ve gained strength in their front end,” he said.

“It’s always a tough contest; scores don’t always reflect the competitiveness of the match. We never go into a match expecting an outcome reflective of previous results – it will be a tough match and one both sides need to win to stay on the right track for finals.

“We go into every game expecting to win, and every year expecting to play finals – this year is no different.

“We’re younger and have had more turnover than usual this year with almost half of the team being first time Open players – but we’ve still got a very talented and capable list.”

Originally published as Tasmanian Netball League 2025 live stream: Cripps Waratah v South East Suns, Round 6