Defending champions St Ann Orchids ran away from former champion Clarendon Gaters after registering a whopping 58-34 win to take the first match in the 2017/2018 Berger Paints Elite Netball League, at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on Saturday.

The Orchids goal shooter Thristina Harwood was on fire scoring 38 from 49 attempts, while goal attack Rebecah Robinson posted 20 from 27.

Mishcah Creary in the goal attack position shone for the Gaters after scoring 21 from 34 attempts, while shooter Zonasha Hinds ended with 11 from 16.

The Orchids led on all quarters but were especially punishing in the final quarter, scoring 20 goals to the Gaters’ 11. The quarter scores were 13-5, 26-15, 38-23 and 58-34.

Orchids coach Janet Guy was happy for the win.

“We were expected to win the first game. We did not know what to expect, but I must commend the team, the opposition for their effort, she said.”

Prior to the match, the opening ceremony was held with title sponsor Berger Paints, through Marketing Manager Casey Perue, announcing increased sponsorship for the series. The total sponsorship is now $8 million, which will cover cash payments and some activation expenses.

Perue also indicated that spectators would also benefit through product giveaways and other prizes throughout the competition.

Netball Jamaica boss Dr Paula Daley-Morris said the league is very important to the strength of netball in the country, as it provides good training ground for the Sunshine Girls and aspiring Sunshine Girls. She further encouraged the spectators to come out in large numbers and cheer loudly for their teams.

Molly Rhone, president of the International Netball Federation and former president of Netball Jamaica, was also in attendance.

The next match of the league will see Manchester Spurs taking on St Catherine Racers tomorrow at the University of Technology, starting at 6:00 pm. That match will be followed by a 7:30 fixture between St James Sharpes and Kingston Humming Birds.