HAMPSHIRE North started the new season with friendly matches against local rivals South Bucks, sealing victories for all teams except the Under-18s.

Hants North Senior 'A' 42, South Bucks Senior 'A' 39. Coach Marc Benoit's first game was a close contest, with South Bucks holding a one-goal lead at half-time.

Using the whole squad, Hants North pushed ahead in the second half. Some crucial defensive interceptions in the last quarter and 100 per cent shooting from debutante Sarah Jones took the side to a morale-boosting victory.

Hants North : Carol Dudley, Judith Mann (capt), Rachel Mann, Lyndsey Meldrum, Kristy Taylor, Jayne Wilson (Tongham) Sophie Christy, Nikki Gray, Sarah Jones (Fleming Park).

Hants North Senior 'B' 40, South Bucks Senior 'B' 23. Hants North began strongly with good attacking play from newcomer Keri Stanton and captain Wendy Gallione. Great versatility was shown by Hants throughout, with players working hard in both defence and attack to good effect. An excellent final score to start the new season.

Hants North: Wendy Gallione (capt) (Bugs), Wendy Wates, Charlotte Strugnell (Tongham), Sophie Christy, Sarah Jones (Fleming Park), Vanessa Bertrand (Tadley), Ali Jenkins (Guildford), Keri Stanton (Rushmoor).

Hants North U/18 30, South Bucks U/18 57. A number of Hants players enjoyed their first game at Under-18 level. However, while South Bucks only had a slim lead at half-time, they forged ahead in the third quarter to lead 45-23, a gap which Hampshire could not make inroads into. Coach Barbara Mellish allowed all players some court time.

Hants North : Charlotte Blogg, Becky Wilson, Sam Newton (Bordon), Jennie Platt, Laura Evans, (Rushmoor), Jenny Trueman (Ants), Nicola Stevens, Sarah King (Tadley).

Hants North U/16 'A' 45, South Bucks U/16 'A' 26. Hants played positive netball, with the centre court combination of Emma Thurston, Hattie Brooks and Katelin Fuller connecting well with shooters Roseanne Oliffe and Pippa Hanks. Such was the strength and depth of the team that coach Judy Yoxall was able to make numerous changes, with all players making a positive impact. Jacqui Lilley was outstanding in defence.

Hants North: Roseanne Oliffe, Emma Thurston, Jacqui Lilley, Kirsty Dunlop, Amy Bye (Bugs), Pippa Hanks, Katelin Fuller, Natalie Stacey, Amy Turkington (Rushmoor), Hattie Brooks (Tadley), Beth Champion (Storm).

Hants North U/16 'B' 36, South Bucks U/16 'B' 28. Hants North opened with some accurate shooting from Cristina Belcher. A slender lead was built on in the second quarter, with centre Laura Soul linking well between defence and attack. With some substitutions, Hants took a while to settle after the break, but some good interceptions created more opportunities, taking them to an eight-goal victory.

Hants North : Sam Brennan, Cristina Belcher, Zoe Hillyard, Stacie Finn, Claire Robertson, Beth Champion (Storm), Laura Soul, Anna Freeman (Rushmoor), Gemma Harvey, Amy Bye, Katt Coutts (Bugs), Hannah Preston (Tadley).