But that’s exactly what is going to happen this weekend, when the inaugural Ballarat Leagues Club Netball Cup comes to town.

The new pre-season lightning premiership competition has attracted nine sides from both the Ballarat Football Netball League and Central Highlands Netball League.

And with prizemoney on offer for the winning team and standout individuals, competition is certain to be hot.

All games will consist of two 12.5-minute halves, with each team to play two preliminary matches.

The top two ranked teams will then advance to the final, with the remainder to fight it out for the lower positions.

BFNL administration manager Liam Brady said the event would be the perfect way for clubs to gain some valuable match practice before the season starts. “It is also pleasing to attract clubs to the event from the BFNL and the CHNL,” he said.

Reigning BFL champion Redan arguably goes in as pre-tournament favourite, and netball co-ordinator Emma Jess said the entire team was pumped for the day.

“It’s a great pre-season hit-out to see how we are fairing against not only the BFL but other teams/leagues around the region,” she said.

The match will be held on Sunday at the City Oval netball courts.

FIXTURE

9am Redan v Bungaree

9.35am Waubra v Lake Wendouree

10.10am North City v Carngham Linton

10.45am Sebastopol v Melton

11.20am Darley v Redan

11.55am Bungaree v Waubra

12.30pm Lake Wendouree v North City

1.05pm Carngham Linton v Sebastopol

1.40pm Melton v Darley

2.15pm 7th Ranked Team v 8th Ranked Team

2.50pm 5th Ranked Team v 6th Ranked Team

3.25pm 3rd Ranked Team v 4th Ranked Team

4.00pm FINAL 1st Ranked Team v 2nd Ranked Team

PLEASE note this story incorrectly stated the location was at the Northern Oval when published in The Courier on Thursday.