THE Central Pulse continued their winning ways in Round 9 showing why they are top of the table while the Northern Stars suffered their fourth consecutive loss, casting doubt over their finals chances.

Central Pulse (54) defeated Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (33)

The Central Pulse made it ten from ten with a demolition win over the Magic on the weekend. The Pulse kept the Magic to under double figures in each quarter with their highest score nine goals in a term showcasing their complete dominance. But it was the second quarter that Central displayed their class, piling on 15 goals and keeping their opposition to a mere six goals.

There is no denying it, the Central Pulse are a real powerhouse of the competition credit to their impeccable ball placement and ball winners across the court. Their pressure down the court, quick transition and sheer ability to read the play is second to none with captain Katrina Rore once again showing her hand in defence. Rore impressed picking up eight gains and three intercepts credit to her hands over pressure and quick feet to get into position. Up the other end, goal shooter Aliyah Dunn was prolific under the post with her hot hand on display. Dunn nailed 30 goals from 32 attempts at a whopping 94 percent, while Ameliaranne Ekenasio played her part in the goal circle finishing the game with 22 goals from 32 attempts. Ekenasio did a wealth of work out the front, but it was Whitney Souness that starred in attack with her timely feeds driving hard to the top of the circle.

Unfortunately for the Magic, they struggled right across the court unable to hold up under the constant pressure applied by the Pulse. The Magic were unable to penetrate their defensive pressure and were stagnant with ball in hand, at times lacking that drive through the middle of the court. Waikato Bay could not find the connection in the goal circle with the shooters unable to post a high total. Monica Falkner led the way with 18 goals from 24 attempts at 75 percent and was the main contributor for the Magic, while Kelsey McPhee was the next major scorer with eight goals. Defensively the duo of Casey Kopua and Kelly Jury tried hard all game but it was to no avail succumbing to the accuracy and dominance of their counterparts. Kopua was solid with her six gains and four intercepts.

Mainland Tactix (49) defeated Northern Stars (46)

The Mainland Tactix won a thriller against the Stars after leading them throughout the game. It was the Tactix third win of the season and they used their speed and precision with ball in hand to break the Stars down. Northern lost their fourth game straight and will be left ruing their missed opportunity given their last quarter comeback slotting 15 goals to the Tactix 12.

The Mainland Tactix were efficient down the court with all their key players impressing. Goal keeper Jane Watson had a phenomenal game for the Tactix controlling the airways and using her rangy arms to take huge intercepts. The talented defender finished the game with a whopping 11 gains, five intercepts, four rebounds and five pickups credit to her desperation for the ball and strong defensive pressure. She led her team to victory with her tireless work, quick feet and ability to read the ball. Up the other end of the court, Ellie Bird was a dominant force in the goal circle slotting 37 goals from 43 attempts at 86 percent. She worked well with veteran goaler Kate Beveridge who chipped in with 12 goals while centre Kimiora Poi showcased her attacking flair to work the ball down the court and into attacking positions. Poi was clever with ball in hand racking up 27 feeds and 12 goal assists.

For the Northern Stars’ they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities with Maia Wilson inaccurate by her means. Wilson was starved of opportunity for most of the game only shooting two goals in the third term and finishing with 19 goals from 26 attempts at 73 percent. The goal attack position was rotated between Charlee Hodges (9/13) and Ellen Halpenny (18/21) with Halpenny showcasing her experience and accuracy on the court to help out Wilson in attack. Their defensive pressure was impressive once again with Kayla Cullen and Leana de Bruin putting up a strong wall. The two combined for 10 gains and eight intercepts displaying their attack and hunt for the ball. Cullen also showcased her attacking flair with two goal assists and three feeds which is uncommon given her defensive position. Through the midcourt Temepara Bailey and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan worked seamlessly together, supplying the shooters with silver service.

Southern Steel (66) defeated Northern Mystics (60)

The Northern Mystics pushed the Steel all game credit to their pressure and intent down the court, but in the end it was the Steel that proved to be too strong with their structures and tactics holding up in times of need. It was a relatively even game with both sides winning two quarters apiece with the Steel ramming it home in the last term with 21 goals thanks to a team effort.

The Southern Steel were accurate to post with both Te Paea Selby Rickit and Lenize Potgieter combining for an 85 percent shooting accuracy showcasing their dominance under the post. Potgieter was lethal in the goal circle unfazed by the physical pressure applied by her defensive counterparts finishing the game with 49 goals from 56 attempts. Once again the midcourt connection was on show with both Gina Crampton and Shannon Saunders displaying their class with ball in hand to move it with ease down the court. Crampton led the way in attack with 44 feeds and 24 goal assists highlighting her ability to drive hard to the top of the circle and create scoring opportunities for her shooters. Defensively Abby Erwood was involved in everything picking up four gains, three deflections and an intercept while also showcasing her attacking flair racking up a couple of goal assists.

After being brought on in the second quarter Grace Nweke has proven to be a saviour for the Mystics single handily dragging her side back into the contest credit to her ability to score quickly and easily. Nweke was a key target in the circle holding her space well and most importantly turning and shooting, nailing 40 goals from 45 attempts. Goal defence Michaela Sokolich-Beatson was solid in defence with her pressure and hunt for the ball on show. She paired well with keeper Erena Mikaere who provided that support down back to allow Sokolich-Beatson to go hunting for the intercept finishing with five for the game and seven gains. The work through the midcourt was evenly shared with both Emma Iversen and Tayla Earle putting in the hard yards to create space in the attacking end.