THE Tassie Spirit netball team made a successful start to its Australian Netball League season with a victory over the ACT in Saturday night's match played at Launceston's Silverdome.

The Spirit defeated the ACT Darters 52-38 in their first game.

Spirit coach Jon Fletcher said he was happy to get a first-up win in the competition after limited preparation following State League finals.

``We expected that we might be a little bit slow to start but I was happy we built our way into the game against ACT after quarter-time, and to win by 14 goals was a good performance and a solid hitout,'' he said.

``And we got to have a look at all 12 players on court with a view to future games.''

The Spirit found SA Force a tougher proposition in yesterday's game, going down 58-36 to the powerhouse team.

``South Australia are one of the strongest teams in the competition, finishing top-four last year and premiers the year before,'' Fletcher said.

``Our first quarter and a half against them was outstanding and I think we were 14-all at quarter-time and four down at half-time.

``I was really pleased with  how we used the ball and took the game up to them.''

Sophie Gunn had a good weekend in goals, shooting at 83 per cent accuracy on Saturday and 100 per cent yesterday, with 23 goals from 23 attempts.

Dannie Carstens at goal defence was strong in both games, Maddie Carter did well after coming on in the centre on Saturday and yesterday Sandra Bennett performed well at goalkeeper.