The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) netball team have got their New Idea Australian Netball League (ANL) campaign off to a flying start with a closely fought 52–45 victory over the NSW Waratahs at the AIS Frank Stewart Training Hall.

The Institute, who finished runners up in last year’s ANL competition, got off to a good start leading the Waratahs 14–11 at the first break. However, the Waratahs worked their way into the game and went into the half-time break leading by four goals.

AIS coach Simone McKinnis called on her players to lift their intensity and they reacted in fine style, turning the half-time four-goal deficit into a one-goal lead. The final quarter was tight early on but the Institute capitalised on some turnovers to break away and win 52–45.

The Institute’s next game will be against the NSW Blues, tomorrow at the AIS Frank Stewart Training Hall. The match commences at 2pm.