The Women Panthers were helped on by a seven-goal heaping from Morgan Ross, and three from Kirsite Hutton, but co-coach Jackson Farquhar believes it was club culture that got them over the line.

“Every event, every training session, team dinners that we turn up to we’re always having fun and enjoying each others company,” the women’s Panthers coach said.

“We’re out there to have fun, and if we’re having fun the wins will come. It’s more important to have a culture of friends than to just win games, so to get both is great.”

Full report: Terrigal Avoca claim first win in derby landslide

Results:

Table: Maitland (8), Newcastle City Stars (8), Nelson Bay (8), Singleton (8), Newcastle City Novas (8), Gosford (4), Wyong Lakes (4), Terrigal Avoca (4), Muswellbrook (4), Killarney Vale (4), Port Stephens (4), Warners Bay (0), Lake Macquarie (0), Cardiff (0), The Entrance Bateau Bay (0), Wallsend-West Newcastle (0).

It may not have been a win on debut, but West Leagues Balance 2 have taken a lot from their first outing in the Greater Open Championship.

Although they began with a 29-48 defeat at the hands of last year’s grand finalists Souths Lions, head coach Tracey Baggs believes the team “were a bit outclassed” but turned it around as they found their feet.

“Souths Lions have a connection from quite a few years of playing together, plus we lost a player early … so that definitely doesn’t help,” Baggs said.

“By the second half we actually won more of Souths’ ball and scored off more of their centres so that was quite exciting.

“It shows we’re capable of matching [them] and getting the ball. It’s just a matter of working our combinations to stay in the game.”

Full Report: Souths Lions welcome West Leagues Balance 2 to the top grade

Results:

Table: Souths Lions (3), West Leagues Balance 1 (3), Nova Thunder (3), BNC Whanau (3), Forsythes Business Advisors (1), Souths Pride (1), Maryville Tavern Alize (1), West Leagues Balance 2 (1).

Warners Bay have taken a six-point lead at the top of the Herald Women’s Premier League table after downing second-placed Merewether 3-1 at Myamblah Oval on Sunday.

In a rematch of last year’s grand final, United went ahead early when Jamee Ellis scored from a trademark free kick around the 15-minute mark.

But Warners Bay levelled 10 minutes later when captain Nadja Squires converted a spot kick after Ellie Withers was ruled to have handballed in the box.

Katelyn Lyddiard gave the visitors a 2-1 lead at the break and Jets player Jenna Kingsley sealed the win early in the second half.

Full report: Bay take points off champs in grand final rematch

Results:

Table: Warners Bay 16, Merewether 10, New Lambton 8, Wallsend 7, South Wallsend 6,  Adamstown 4, Thornton 0

Heat have proven they’re back with a vengeance after falling in the 2017 grand final, recording their second straight win by more than 30 points.

This time the fire was turned on United Fury, who were on the losing side of the 53-21 scoreline in the opening match of Charlestown Netball’s top grade second round.

Much of Heat’s dominant form has come off the back of new signing Claire Kowlan, who has proven “near perfect” under the goal for last season’s runners-up.

Results:

Table: Heat (6), Watters (6), Sass (4), Purnells (4), Crossfire (4), Job Done (4), Fever (2), Fury (2).

The Hunter Women’s Rugby Union competition kicks off this weekend, with five teams contesting the league title including the returning Waratahs.

The season will begin with the Wanderers taking on University at No. 5 at 4:00pm, while Merewether Carlton will be facing off against the returning ‘Tahs at Townson at 4.30pm. 

Read: Waratahs set to return to Hunter Women's Rugby Union

It may have been a 40-38 defeat at the hands of the Cronulla Sharks, but the Newcastle Knights’ confidence is “sky high” as they continue their Tarsha Gale Cup finals campaign, says head coach Josh Potapczyk.

“Early on in the season I said this team had a lot of question marks, and the girls have squared up and showed they have the quality to win in their first season,” Potapczyk said.

“We’re looking forward to the game on the weekend, if we play to our strengths we can go all the way.”

Joeli Morris scored a double in the 2-point loss last weekend, while Skye Pullman scored 14 points through five goals and a try.

The Knights will play the Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval in the second week of the finals, kicking off at 1.30pm on Saturday, April 21.

Defensive desire was the key to Newcastle’s back-to-back road victories over Sydney Comets and Hills Hornets in the Waratah Basketball League women’s championship on the weekend.

After winning just one of their first four games, the Hunters improved to a 3-3 win-loss record by thumping the Comets 70-30 at Alexandria on Saturday night then repeating the dose with an 80-42 victory over the Hornets at Hills on Sunday.

Full report: Back-to-back wins see Hunters back to their best

The Hunter Hurricane women’s side were defeated 8-4 by competition frontrunners UNSW Wests Killer Whales at Lambton Pool on Sunday.

The ladies did well to remain in the contest early in perfect Sunday conditions, keeping the scoreline to 3-1 at half time, and scoring 3 in the second half to the Killer Whales’ 5.

Saturday’s back-to-back fixtures between the same clubs were called off because of lightning in Newcastle and will be rescheduled during the next fortnight.

Full report: Australian Water Polo League at Lambton Pool

EDITORS NOTE: If you have a women’s competition that you want included in the Women in Sport weekly wrap, contact Isaac McIntyre on 0458653847 or at isaac.mcintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au.