Promotion and relegation. That’s the situation for several teams throughout Taranaki’s Bayleys premier netball league.

With only two rounds to play in grading, premier one team New Plymouth Girls’ High School and premier two’s Inglewood High School could drop down a grade.

Both teams are yet to pick up a point from its three matches so far.

If Girls High drop down into premier two, either Inglewood or Sacred Heart Girls’ College will take its place in the top division.

But Girls High win its next two matches and New Plymouth Old Boys lose, Old Boys could be leap-frogged and face relegation.

Naumai is likely to move up a grade to replace Inglewood High School, with Bell Block Marist Dragons hot on Naumai's heels.  

Inglewood High is in a similar position to Girls High – win the next two games and it could remain in premier two making the next two weeks interesting. 

The formation of all competitions could be found after this week’s matches beginning on Thursday night, with one round to play next week.  

Girls High’s campaign doesn’t get any easier. It will play competition leaders and six-time defending champions Tysons East at Whai Tapuwae Nō Rongo in Waitara on Thursday at 6:45pm.

Inglewood play Naumai at the Sandfords Event Centre in Opunake at 6:45pm, while Stratford/Eltham host New Plymouth Old Boys at TET Multi-Sports Centre at the later time of 8:15pm.

Strong combinations and consistency will be required for the rest of grading ahead of the competitions.

Also on Thursday night, Stratford/Eltham host Inglewood, Bell Block play Naumai in Waitara and Hawera High School play The Locals in Opunake in premier three.

On Friday, second place Sacred Heart is the favourites against Inglewood High School, Tukapa host Raukura and Inglewood play Tysons West. All premier two matches will be played at the TSB Stadium starting at 6:45pm.

Full draws and results can be found here.

Article added: Thursday 06 May 2021