Sovereigns were without its star recruits Demelza Fellowes and Renae Ingles in the 60-34 loss. Fellowes will return next week following her Melbourne Rebels commitments, while Ingles will return after round five when her Suncorp Super Netball season finishes.

Division one coach and championship assistant coach Kim Bailey said while the young group acquitted themselves well, the side would benefit greatly once its former Australian duo return to the line-up.

“On the court last night there was five or six players under 20 at one stage,” Bailey said.

“We were probably a little out-muscled in regards to experience and body-wise, but there’s some really good signs. I don’t think that’ll be an indicative measure of what our championship team will be. Once Demelza and Renae come into the team you’ll see a much different structure.”

The division one team went down by one goal while the 19/unders lost by 28.