Now we get serious.
Now that pool play for Thomson Division One has concluded, we know who our top 8 are for 2026.
This is the only the second time in history where a team ranked top eight in preseason has not made the top eight phase of competition.
Match ups for first round of top 8 clashes:
🏀Cashmere vs Shirley- this match up looks like it could be exciting. But based on current results game is likely to favor the hosts.
🏆Hillmorton vs Christs- a true battle and possible early look at a finals match up. After a rest for several starters last week can Hillmorton get the W and trophy?
🏀St Andrew’s vs St Thomas- battle of the Saints. Both teams facing injury struggles early, but that didn’t stop StAC against Cashmere, so why would it stop them this week.
🏀St Bede’s vs Kaiapoi- The underdogs first go at top 8 is against a big hitter in Bedes. How will the stand up against a strong St Bedes team?
Our bottom 8 are also now set, looking to earn their spot in play ins later in the comp.
🏀Burnside vs CBHS- Could be a close game with option for either team to win. Likely to come down to coaching.
🏀Lincoln vs Riccarton- A rematch from play ins. Both know how the other plays. Can Lincoln even the score this week?
🏀Rangiora vs Middleton- This could be an interesting match to see how Rangiora react after their narrow loss last week.
🏀Rolleston vs Ashburton- A battle of the southern teams. Rolleston put up a fight last week, but it wasn’t enough. How will they tackle Ashburton?
Whelan Division One is also taking shape, with a mix of old and new faces.
🏀Cashmere vs Maria- a good battle to see how Marian fit in this comp, after Cashmere staying in the fight against Avonside until OT last week.
🏀Hillmorton vs Avonside- It was a massive match up last year in Division two, but how will it stack up for Division one?
🏀Rangiora vs Kaiapoi- The boys battled it out last week, now its the girls turn. Can the Rangiora girls do what the boys didn’t?
🏀St Andrew’s vs CGHS- a battle of our U18 girls rep coaches as A Team Adam and Bhavna take on the B teams Tana Helsham.
🏆Villa vs St Margarets- The Phil Burns cup is up for grabs again after StAC opted not to contest the cup on their home turf. Will St Margs hold onto it for another week?
Thomson Division Two is now nearing the end of their first round robin.
🏀Te Aratai vs Hornby- Te Aratai started strong for the new team. Can their strength prevail vs last years finalists?
🏀Cathedral vs RNLS- Should be a good battle to see where RNLS ranks in the comp facing frontrunners CCC.
🏀Papanui vs Oxford- Another chance for Papanui to try and dominate.
Whelan Division two is showing promise in a couple younger teams, as a couple of mainstays continue to be a force on court.
🏀Papanui vs Ashburton- Could be an alright game if Papanui is full strength.
🏀RNLS vs Oxford- Its Division twos battle of the north.
🏀Rangi Ruru vs Middleton- Certainly match up of the grade as two similar teams to last year take each other on in the new season.
Grocott trophy has now started their double round robin in their respective divisions.
🏀Cashmere vs Shirley- a curtain raiser to their seniors playing each other also.
🏀Hillmorton vs St Thomas- will provide a real glimpse into St Thomas’ future.
🏀Rangiora vs Rolleston- Rangiora will want to put the newcomers in their place.
🏀St Bedes vs Christs- we’ve seen these guys battle it out preseason and in club, but how will a Tuesday night play out?
🏀Lincoln vs CBHS- Lincoln have shown us they are not to be underestimated.
🏀Papanui vs Kaiapoi- I think this might be the closest game in this grade this week.
