University Albion surprised the Southern Magpies, the defending champions, with a 49 44 win in the premier competition on Saturday.
After a two week break over the school holidays, Southern started the better of the two teams, finding good space on attack and allowing the shooting combination of Nicole Meikle and Sophie Erwood to shine.
In contrast, University Albion could not find the same fluidity and struggled to get goals on the board early, trailing 10-6 with less than six minutes remaining in the first quarter.
University Albion defenders Sam Hollows and Rose Spence upped their intensity towards the end of the quarter, tightening up on their opposites and capitalising on a drop in shooting accuracy.
Southern coach Georgie Salter chose to make changes for the second quarter, into which the Magpies took a 13-10 lead, bringing Shauni Carpenter into centre and giving Rosa Edwards a spell on the bench.
With both sides scoring 11 goals in the second quarter, Southern was able to maintain its three goal lead.
The introduction of Olivia van Diepem at goal shoot for University Albion helped open up space in the circle for goal attack Bridget Thayer to gain front position, and she finished the quarter with nine goals, helping to tie the scores at 34-34 going into the final quarter.
After only five minutes of the fourth quarter, University Albion gained the lead and never looked back, which pleased co captain Thayer.
''We didn't play flashy netball at times but it was what we needed to ensure the goals were scored,'' she said.
''We haven't had much success over Southern in recent seasons so the win today is great for us moving forward.''
University Albion coach Noeline Scott was happy with her defensive combination's performance that allowed the side to get crucial ball off Southern.
''They got some vital turnovers for us which allowed us to get the breaks we needed to get back into the game,'' Scott said.
''I am pleased that the girls stayed calm enough to hold off Southern. They are a team that never gives up until the final whistle.''
In other games, College A dominated Southern Tui 72-26, and Phys Ed A beat Phys Ed B 70-43.
By Jamie Keay.
