Opening Round of 2026 Tasmanian Netball League Delivers Thrilling Start to the Season
The 2026 Tasmanian Netball League (TNL) has launched in spectacular fashion, with packed stadiums, high-intensity matchups and standout performances marking a hugely successful Opening Round.
Fans turned out in strong numbers to witness the first chapter of what promises to be a fiercely competitive season. From the first centre pass to the final whistle, the league showcased the depth of talent and passion that continues to define netball in Tasmania.
The Opening Round featured impressive performances from each club, nail-biting finishes and commanding netball from both established TNL stars and emerging young athletes. Clubs demonstrated the hard work invested during the off-season, with fast-paced transitions, defensive pressure and clinical shooting setting the tone for the year ahead.
19U Results
Cavaliers U19s made a powerful statement in their first opening-round clash, overwhelming 19U South East Suns with a dominant 74–21 victory at Kingborough Sports Centre.
Devon secured a hard-fought nine-goal win over Kingston Blues 19&U, 43–34, in a competitive Round 1 contest. The Blues showed strong defensive intent early, contesting every pass and keeping the margin tight through the opening exchanges. However, Devon gradually built momentum, finding rhythm in attack and capitalising on key intercepts. They continued their strong start to the season with a commanding 66–20 win over 19U South East Suns.
Kingston Blues 19&U rebounded strongly in Round 2, defeating the Northern Hawks 41–27 in a disciplined performance. The Hawks delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat 19U Karana Flames 51–26 in their first match of the round making it 1 from 2 at the end of the weekend.
Cripps Waratah U19's secured an impressive four-goal win over Cavaliers in one of the tighter contests of the round, 42–38.
In a physical and high-pressure encounter, both sides traded momentum throughout the match. Cripps’ defensive unit was instrumental, generating crucial intercepts at key moments, while their attack remained composed under scoreboard pressure.
Opens Results
Cavaliers Opens opened their 2026 campaign with a composed 57–31 victory over South East Suns in round one. The team made it back-to-back wins to open their campaign, defeating Cripps Waratah in round two, 47–40 in a spirited contest.
Cripps Waratah brought strong defensive pressure and matched the Cavs through the opening half, keeping the margin within reach. However, the Cavs lifted their intensity in the third quarter, generating crucial intercepts and converting consistently in the goal circle.
Kingston Blues Opens delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat Devon 54–39.
Kingston set the tone with physical defensive pressure and controlled attacking phases, steadily building a lead through precise ball movement and high-percentage shooting.
Devon secured their first win of the season with a hard-fought 43–36 victory over the South East Suns in round 2. In a tightly contested encounter, both sides showed improved cohesion and defensive intent. Devon gradually edged ahead through disciplined midcourt transition and patient attacking play, capitalising on key turnovers to create scoreboard separation.
The Northern Hawks made a powerful opening statement with an emphatic 84–19 win over the Karana Flames.
Kingston Blues and the Northern Hawks could not be separated in a thrilling 41–41 draw.
The match ebbed and flowed throughout, with both sides enjoying periods of scoreboard control. Kingston’s structured attack was met by the Hawks’ defensive pressure, while the Hawks’ speed in transition tested the Blues’ backline.
Netball Tasmania CEO, Penny Shearer, described the weekend as “an outstanding showcase of Tasmanian netball,” highlighting the competitive balance across teams and the exciting brand of netball on display.
With momentum building and rivalries already reigniting, anticipation is high for the remainder of the season, with teams looking to consolidate early wins or bounce back strongly.
Netball Tasmania its players, officials, volunteers, partners Hart Sport and Bennett’s Petroleum and Mood Food, and supporters for making the opening round a resounding success and looks forward to another memorable season in 2026.
For fixtures, results and updates, follow Netball Tasmania’s official channels.
