Albany Netball Association announce six A-grade teams for season 2020 no room for Bullets

A six-team Albany Netball Association A1 competition will be played this season after the confirmation Royals Saints, Magpies, Narrikup, Railways, Kangas and Grammar will make up the top division in 2020.

The ANA grading committee met on Monday night to finalise team nominations after the general committee decided last week that to maximise the most of a shortened season, six teams must play in each division.

Six teams in a division allows each team to play each other twice during the regular season.

The ANA received seven team nominations for the A1 competition this season, with the grading committee voting between Grammar and Bullets for the final spot.

Grammar got the nod.

In previous years Kangas have fielded two teams but this year they will combine because five players from last year’s Kangas 1 side are not playing.

ANA president Trish Hines said it was disappointing Bullets were unable to join A1 this season.

“In a normal season it would not be a problem to play with seven or even eight teams in a division but with this year’s season being so short, there was no choice,” Hines said.

“The new-look Kangas team is a mixture of youth and experience.

“Although this season is a little different to other year, the fact that we will soon have players back on the court is very exciting.

“If the excitement and enthusiasm shown at training is any indication of the season ahead, we should be in for a fantastic season.”

The ANA had discussed the idea of playing some fixtures in Denmark and Mt Barker but said all games were likely to be at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.

The ANA season will consist of a 10-week regular season with the grand final set down for Saturday, September 19.

Two Sunday fixtures will be required to fit this structure in while a mid-week finals will also need to be played.

Hines said clubs were training in preparation for the July 18 starting date.