Last season’s premiers Harbour Hellcats emerged victorious 101-86 over local rivals Fort Smashleys.

A bumper crowd of 700 people cheered on the female skaters battling it out during an intense match.

Hellcats captain Susy Pow was pleased with the turnout and happy to get a win.

‘‘There were a lot of hard hits and it was a competitive match,’’ Ms Pow said.

‘‘This was the first game of our second season and we’ve all really improved as skaters.’’ The next match between the two local sides will be on September 17.

The two rivals will then join forces to form the Dockyard Dames, who will take on Adelaide at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on September 24.

For a gallery of images, click on the picture below.