By JULIE ASH
Auckland Waitakere will be tested on the opening day of netball's national provincial championship tournament today in Palmerston North where they face a tough double header against Wellington and North.
To reduce the length of the tournament by a day, teams will play two games on the opening day.
"Everybody is in the same boat," said Auckland Waitakere coach Judy Weston.
"It is tough, but I think every day is going to be tough."
Auckland Waitakere finished third in last year's competition and their form in the preliminary games indicates they are on track for a similar placing this year.
"I am quite happy with where we are at at the moment," Weston said.
"We have just got to ensure we improve each time we go on the court."
Auckland Waitakere's first match against Wellington is a hard one to predict.
Wellington failed to win a match in the top-six playoffs last year but, under the guidance of new coach, former Silver Fern Waimarama Taumaunu, have already proved they are a better team, coming within four goals of defending champions Waikato in the preliminary round.
Although Wellington are not a team of stars, most of their players have been together for a while.
Auckland Waitakere should have the edge in the midcourt with Silver Ferns Victoria Edward and New Zealand Academy squad member Krystal Feterika-Opetaia.
But whether or not Auckland win the game will depend on how their shooters contend with the Wellington defence, which includes former Southern Sting goalkeep Megan Hutton.
"I am quite happy with my shooters," Weston said. "I have actually got quite a strong group of high-percentage shooters, which gives me different options. We are not relying on one goalshoot."
Boasting one of the strongest lineups, Netball North are expected to be too strong for Auckland Waitakere in the battle of the bridge.
North, who play Canterbury this morning, have strength and experience and, provided they land their goals, will be tough for any team to get past.
Top six openers
* Auckland Waitakere v Wellington
* Auckland Waitakere v Netball North
* Waikato v Otago
* Waikato v Canterbury
* Otago v Wellington
* Netball North v Canterbury
Netball: Tough day one for Auckland
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