After three rounds of Nelson Netball’s NBS premier competition, the early pace-setters are beginning to emerge.
While the first full rotation of matches is officially classed as a warm-up – with rolling substitutions and two-point shots in play – Prices Ahurei, Richmond F45 and Jacks OPD have all delivered statement wins.
Richmond F45 56 – Stoke NBS 38
Richmond F45 continue to shape as the sleeper outfit of the 2026 season, backing up their strong start with another impressive win, this time over Stoke NBS.
Stoke’s physical style initially proved effective in disrupting Richmond’s through-court flow, with the half-time score of 25–20 reflecting the intensity of the contest. However, the second half belonged firmly to Richmond, whose superior speed began to tell.
That pace created crucial space inside the attacking circle, which sharpshooter Belinda Koloamatangi was quick to capitalise on as the margin widened.
In defeat, young Stoke shooter Phillipa Bromley impressed, while captain Kate Gilmer was typically spirited throughout the contest.
Jacks OPD 60 – Nelson College for Girls 42
Jacks OPD were simply too slick for an error-prone Nelson College for Girls on Thursday night, racing to a nine-goal lead in the opening quarter and never relinquishing control.
NCG showed improved cohesion through the middle two quarters, particularly the third, where goals were traded almost exclusively. But the final 15 minutes proved costly for the team in blue, with turnover ball allowing Jacks to dominate possession and double their number of shots on goal.
Harriett Ogilvie and Chloe Webb look in ominous form for Jacks, while Jess Drummond again underlined her reputation as one of the premier midcourters in the Nelson region.
For NCG, young debutant Harriet Etheridge was solid through the midcourt, and Chali Routhan worked tirelessly to blunt the impact of her more experienced opponents.
Prices Ahurei 49 – Prices Mā 31
The 7.45pm match saw club-mates go head to head, with the full 60 minutes used largely as a settling exercise for both squads.
Despite plenty of opportunities in both attacking circles, shooting percentages were lower than usual thanks to robust defensive work inside the arc. Only one two-point shot was successful for the night, with the Richmond-based club using the interclub fixture to prepare for tougher round-two battles ahead.
