Inglewood’s retention rate is one of the reasons its started well in Taranaki’s premier one netball competition, according to team coach Sam Burkhart.

After two weeks of grading, Inglewood is unbeaten along with defending champions Tysons East.

It beat New Plymouth Girls High School 70-18 in the opening round, followed by a 67-29 win against neighbours Stratford/Eltham last week.

With Inglewood’s high scoring matches, it’s scored the highest number of goals this season and leaked the least out of all the six premier one teams.

Burkhart said the team has kept the same group of players in the last few seasons.

“Their combos are nice and strong as well as that a few played school netball together, so it’s just building on that,” she said.

“That has helped us on the court running this season and hopefully it will help us get over the line this season.”

She said the whole team is playing well but signalled out Dani Dravitzki at the defensive end and Teesh Smith in the midcourt.

In round three, Burkhart is looking forward to its match against mid-table side New Plymouth Old Boys on Thursday night at Whai Tapuwae Nō Rongo in Waitara.

“Old Boys always bring a good 60-minute game. We know they have a new team this season, so it will be good to have a hit out against them.”

After two weeks, Old Boys picked up a win and a loss in grading.  

It won its first game against Naumai 45-34 but dropped its second against Tysons East 67-28.

The match will prove a challenge against Inglewood but had periods of excellent play in last week’s game.

Tip-off is at 6:45pm.

Premier netball will return to Opunake’s Sandfords Event Centre when Tysons East play Naumai at 8:15pm.

It’s been nearly five years since premier netball was last played at the venue.

While Tysons have an unbeaten record, Naumai had a win and a loss thus far.

In the remaining match at 6:45pm, the two bottom teams in premier one play, with Stratford/Eltham hosting New Plymouth Girls High School at the TET Multi-Sports Centre.

In premier two on Friday night, Tukapa and Sacred Heart Girls College will play in the match of the round at TET, Tysons West host Raukura in Waitara and Inglewood High School play Inglewood also at TET.

Premier three sees Hawera High School play Naumai in Opunake, Bell Block Marist Dragons face Stratford/Eltham in Waitara and The Locals travel to Stratford to play Inglewood. All premier three matches are on Thursday evening.

Full draws and results can be found here.