The FDH Premier Netball League is already shaping up for a closely contested title race after just four weeks, with Vanessa Sisters sitting at the top of the table but facing strong competition from teams with games in hand.
Only two points separate the top five teams, with Vanessa Sisters leading on 12 points from seven games, the most matches played by any team so far. They have recorded six wins and one loss, scoring 322 goals and conceding 253 for a goal difference of +69.
Blue Eagles are second with 11 points from six games and remain the only unbeaten team in the league. With a game in hand, they are well placed to overtake Vanessa Sisters. They have also conceded the fewest goals, allowing just 199, while scoring 330 for the league’s best goal difference of +131.
Kukoma Diamonds are also unbeaten and sit third with 11 points from six games. They have scored 305 goals and have a goal difference of +56. A win in their outstanding game would take them to the top of the table.
Civonets occupy fourth place with 10 points from seven games and boast the league’s best attacking record, having scored 379 goals at an average of 54 goals per game. However, they have conceded 248 goals, highlighting their attacking approach.
Lioness complete the top five with 10 points from six games. They have scored 329 goals and, with a game in hand, have an opportunity to climb higher in the standings.
With Blue Eagles, Kukoma Diamonds and Lioness all having games in hand, the league could have a new leader by next week.
The early stages of the season have also highlighted contrasting approaches among the leading teams. Civonets have the strongest attack, while Blue Eagles have the best defensive record, having conceded only 199 goals.
More than 3,500 goals have been scored across the league in the opening four weeks, with Civonets and Lioness showing their strength in high-scoring encounters, while Blue Eagles have relied on defensive organisation.
At the bottom of the table, a gap is beginning to emerge. Prison Queens are seventh with four points, while Tigresses, Pacers, Giants HK and FLC Netball Team have two points each.
FLC Netball Team have the league’s weakest defensive record, having conceded 331 goals and recording a goal difference of -146.
KDA Atlas are at the bottom of the table without a point from five games.
