ROUND 11 saw the Central Pulse lose their first game of the season, while the Northern Stars lost a must win game affecting their finals hopes.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (45) defeated by Central Pulse (53)

The Central Pulse racked up another win claiming an eight goal victory over the Magic who pressed hard throughout the game but it was not enough to stop the rampaging Pulse. Waikato Bay had moments of greatness winning two of the quarters but could not maintain that intensity for the game’s entirety.

The Pulse toyed around with their attacking end with Whitney Sounness moving into goal attack at one stage through the second to relieve Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Ekenasio later returned in the third using her excellent timing and strong drives to dominate in the circle finishing with 28 goals. Aliyah Dunn was equally impressive throughout her three quarters with 20 goals while Tiana Metuarau also chipped in on the scoreboard. Defensively Karin Burger stole the spotlight absolutely owning her opposition. She picked up a huge six intercepts, seven gains and three deflections, stepping up in the absence of Katrina Rore. Through the midcourt, centre Claire Kersten did a wealth of work through transition, finding the circle edge with ease to finish the game with 26 feeds and 16 goal assists.

The Magic had a settled line-up, not making a change throughout the whole game, sticking to their game play and almost executing it. Ariana Cable-Dixon was superb and showcased her running ability with 32 centre pass receives, the most of any player on the court, making her a real play maker in Magic’s attacking third. Kelsey McPhee and Monica Falkner looked settled in the goal circle, rotating well and finishing with a 78 per cent shooting accuracy between the two of them. Casey Kopua was dominant in defence getting hands to ball and covering her opponent well. She continues to go from strength to strength racking up six gains, two intercepts and eight deflections.

Southern Steel (69) defeated Northern Mystics (58)

After an even start the Southern Steel kicked it up a level to establish a six goal lead at half time. However the Mystics did not back down, pushing hard to get within four in the third term.

Steel shooter Lenize Potgieter proved to be the go to girl once again credit to her composure under the post, ability to make space, hold and use her feet to position well in the circle. Potgieter was the highest scorer for the game with 43 from 44 attempts at 98 per cent, highlighting her proficiency. Jennifer O’Connell and Georgia Heffernan also made their way onto the court in the fourth term but lacked accuracy both sitting at around 50 per cent. The connection between Shannon Saunders and Gina Crampton continues to grow with Saunders racking up 42 feeds and 19 goal assists while Crampton had 44 and 28 respectively. Te Huinga Selby-Rickit starred down in defence applying good hands over pressure and picking up the loose ball with three gains and two intercepts.

The Mystics looked more settled in attack with Grace Nweke and Bailey Mes combining well under the post and finding each other with ease. Though Nweke did not play a whole game she made her presence felt on the court with 31 goals, 12 of which came in the first quarter credit to her ability to hold space and use her athleticism to her advantage. Mes increased both her volume and accuracy under the post with 20 goals from 22 attempts at 91 per cent. Elisapeta Toeava showcased both her offensive and defensive work racking up 38 feeds, 24 goal assists, one intercept and one gain, highlighting her nous to impact the play. Goal defence, Phoenix Karaka was her usual self, hunting for the ball and getting hands to ball with six gains, three intercepts, two deflections and three rebounds.

Mainland Tactix (53) defeated Northern Stars (48)

After notching up their first win in a couple of rounds the Stars were unable to continue that form, going down to the Mainland Tactix who are proving they have what it takes to mix it with some of the best. It was a relatively even game with both sides winning two quarters apiece, but the Tactix put the pressure on when it counted.

The Tactix defenders were impressive keeping their opponents to a mere eight goals in the third term. Once again Jane Watson was a general in goal keeper, confusing the space and pushing her opponent high, while her hands were clean and ability to read the play second to none – picking up seven gains, two intercepts, five pick-ups and two rebounds. She worked well in tandem with Sophia Fenwick who also gathered seven gains, showcasing their defensive ability. In the goal circle, Ellie Bird was unstoppable at 89 per cent slotting 47 of her 53 attempts, displaying her commanding presence and sheer ability to control a game. The work through the midcourt was equally as impressive with wing attack, Samon Nathan owning that middle channel and top of the goal circle with 39 feeds and 24 goal assists.

The Northern Stars had passages of great play but could not sustain their pressure. Maia Wilson was solid as per usual, putting up her fair share of shots, but was well held by Watson only nailing 37 from her 43 attempts. Ellen Halpenny also made her presence felt across the court, down on her accuracy at 65 per cent but doing a wealth of work feeding the ball into the circle. Kayla Cullen moved around the court switching between wing defence and goal defence, showcasing her versatility, defensive strength and intent with six gains, two intercepts and three gains. Wing attack, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan used her speed and netball nous to open up the court and attack the goal circle edge with 50 feeds and 20 goal assists.

Southern Steel (62) defeated Central Pulse (52)

The Pulse were handed their first loss of the season with the Steel putting on a strong performance to claim a big win against the ladder leaders. The Steel had a clear game plan and executed it well, covering each player and stopping their easy avenue to goal.

It was a dominant performance from shooting machine, Potgieter who once again took the competition by storm with 45 goals from 47 attempts at 96 per cent. Her sheer strength at the post, clean hands and ability to turn and shoot makes her an unstoppable force in the circle, while Selby-Rickit also chipped in with 17 goals. But it was the defensive effort of Te Huinga Selby-Rickit that helped to spur the Steel on with seven gains, four intercepts, two rebounds and two deflections enabling her to regain possession for her side.

Dunn had a quiet start only scoring four goals in the first quarter but finished with 32 from 34, not missing her first shot until the third term and highlighting her ability to capitalise with ball in hand. Ekenasio was also solid in attack feeding into her shooting partner and doing a wealth of work at the centre pass with 22 receives, but racked up five general play turnovers credit to the defensive pressure applied by the Steel. Rore was back in the side after missing the previous game and got her hands to a few balls while Fitzpatrick led the way in defence with four gains, one intercept and two deflections.

Northern Mystics (69) defeated Mainland Tactix (57)

The final game of the round saw the Northern Mystics dominate against the Mainland Tactix who seemed to have no answers for the attacking and defensive pressure the Mystics applied. While the Tactix were riding high off a big win against the Stars, they were unable to bring the same intensity into this clash.

The Mystics looked like a well-oiled machine in attack, holding space and letting the ball go with ease. once again Nweke was the shining light putting up a wealth of shots and converting 56 of her 69 attempts at 81 per cent. Her inclusion in the side has paid dividends allowing Mes to do more work outside the circle and then move into the circle, finishing with 17 goals for the match. The defensive effort of Erena Mikaere was impressive picking up a whopping six intercepts, six gains and three deflections, showcasing her tenacity and ability to win the ball. Toeava also led the way in attack using her speed and precision to work her way to the goal circle and deliver the ball inside to her shooters. She had a game high 45 feeds and 28 goal assists while Tayla Earle was important through the midcourt collecting two gains, an intercept and 23 goal assists.

It did not fall their way with the Tactix struggling to keep up with the Mystics who worked tirelessly through transition. But goal shooter Ellie Bird was prolific under the post as per usual, putting up 48 goals from 50 attempts at an impressive 96 per cent while the work out the front from Kimiora Poi and Nathan did not go unnoticed with a collective 55 feeds. Watson was a standout in defence with five gains and four intercepts, while her defensive partner Sophia Fenwick did not have much of an impact on the play. Charlotte Elley also got her hands to a few balls in wing defence with two gains and an intercept, disrupting the attacking flow of the Tactix.