The 2019 Rawson Homes Premiership is set to the biggest on record with eight teams registered to take part in A Grade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new season starts on May 4, but the draw was released last week and it showed bumper numbers across all divisions.
It is welcome news for the Dubbo Netball Association as there was one point in the off-season where it appeared numbers would be lower in 2019.
Two-time defending champions Fusion Heat will have new foes to deal with in A Grade with sides from Narromine and Nyngan both joining the top division in 2019 while the Inspire Rebels are also new to the competition.
St Comebacks return to the top grade, while there is no St Collegians, Fusion Vixens, or Fusion Giants in the division this year. The returning St Diamonds, Macquarie Hornets, and Fusion Fire round out A Grade.
There is eight teams across all 10 senior divisions, something Dubbo Netball Association president Karen Weekes said hasn't happened in a number of years.
"We were initially worried about the numbers falling a bit short this season," Weekes admitted, before stating some teams registered last minute.
"We have had a couple new clubs register."
READ ALSO:
The increase in numbers already has Dubbo Netball Association in a positive frame of mind before the season has begun.
"We have had 48 senior teams register this season," Weekes said.
"Thirty-two teams have registered in the 13s-16s (years) division, and 17 teams have registered for the under 8s."
The 2019 Rawson Homes Premiership season starts on Saturday, May 4 at the Nita McGrath courts with champions Fusion Heat getting an immediate taste of the new-look competition as they will meet the Narromine Hawks.
The Nyngan Cougars will meet St Diamonds while Inspire Rebels will do battle with Fusion Fire.
St Comebacks will play the Macquarie Hornets in the other game.
A number of Dubbo players have already been in action on the court this year, with the city contesting across all grades during the recent Netball NSW Bing Lee West-Central West Regional League.
While the Dubbo sides didn't have a great deal of success there, Weekes said there was plenty of positives to take from the campaign.
"The girls have been congratulated on their sportsmanship and behavior," Weekes said.
"So although there isn't evidence of their efforts in form of on the boards, they have been widely acknowledged for their attitude."
Do you want more sport from the Dubbo region? Sign up to our daily newsletter here:
Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
