KNA 2026: Defending premiers Allstars claim first victory, Kojonup defeat Olympians to start A-grade season

The first round of the Katanning Netball Association’s winter competition got underway at the Katanning Leisure Centre on Saturday, with Kojonup and Allstars walking off winners in the A-grade competition.

In the opening round of the A-grade, Cardinals Force took on defending premiers Allstars, while 2025 runner-up Kojonup faced Olympians.

In the first game of the day, Allstars delivered a confident victory against Dumbleyung, starting the first quarter with 16 goals to Dumbleyung’s three.

Allstars’ Mischa and Lara Rodney remained in the circle as shooters for the whole game, and netted an impressive 18 goals in the second term to widen Allstars’ lead to 28 goals by halftime.

They did not slow down in the second half, shooting another nine goals in the third term and 11 in the last to finish with scores at 54 to 15 by the final whistle.

In the second A-grade match, Kojonup made a fast start, with starting shooting duo Zoe Kestel and Sheridan Kowald netting 16 goals.

Lara Norrish and Bridie Luers started in defence for Kojonup and worked hard, confining the Cardinals to six goals in the first quarter.

By halftime, Kojonup were 17 goals ahead, and the Cardinals struggled to keep up with their momentum through the second half as Kojonup managed to add 12 to their haul in the third term and 16 in the last to finish with the final scores at 57 to 28.

In round two, Dumbleyung will face Olympians, and Allstars will go up against Cardinals Force, while Kojonup will have a bye.

In the A-reserves, Allstars 2 defeated Broomehill 43 goals to 29, and Olympians 2 and Kojonup 2 finished their hard-fought game with a draw on 44 goals all.

In the B-grade, Kojonup 3 were defeated by Kia Ora 1 with 49 goals to 24, and Olympians 3 won their match against Dumbleyung 2 ending in 36 goals to 20.

Cardinals Phoenix notched a win in the C-grade against Kia Ora 2, defeating them 40 goals to 25, and Allstars 3 won against Olympians 4, 24 goals to 12, making it a triple victory for Allstars across the A-grade, A-reserves and C-grades.