NETBALL: Tay Mentha has started her career with the Warwick 1 team with an unbeaten record in round 1 of the Darling Downs Inter-district Netball in Warwick.

She shares the captaincy with Jess Carey and Warwick started with convincing wins against Goondiwindi 1 24-9, Goondiwindi 2 33-5 and Lockyer 1 24-9 in the open grade.

In its final game at Barnes Park yesterday, Warwick 1 drew 20-all with Laidley 1, the only draw for any of the 10 Warwick teams on the day.

Mentha works as a researcher in chick peas at The Hermitage Research Station and is in her first season in Warwick after playing in the State Netball League for Ballarat in Victoria.

She said the season wasn’t all about keeping the inter-district title which was won last year “but we do have our eyes on the prize”.

“I was impressed with our young shooters Ellie McVeigh, Larissa Millard and Dimity Brackin and both our defence and midfield worked really well.”

Mentha played goal defence for Ballarat in state league and was in the same position for Warwick at the weekend.

After playing in state league in Victoria, Mentha said she was enjoying the strong competition at inter-district level.

It was the first day together for the team this season and Mentha said she was already looking forward to the next inter-district round on May 8 at Goondiwindi.

Overall, the 10 Warwick teams had a lot of success in a carnival which attracted 500 players to Warwick and 800 people altogether.

Warwick 2, the 16 years representative team, was the most successful Warwick team with four wins. They beat Lockyer 3 28-5, Goondiwindi 3 31-4, Lockyer 2 20-7 and Toowoomba 2 21-3.

Barnes Park took on a carnival atmosphere yesterday with 20 marquees giving the players shade between games.