IT was another big week of netball with the Central Pulse maintaining their winning streak, yet to drop a game this season. Meanwhile the Northern Mystics were unable to register their first win of the season, falling to the Northern Stars.

Central Pulse (52) defeated Mainland Tactix (40)

The Central Pulse dominated from the get-go, scoring easily and frequently throughout the match to come away with a 12-goal victory in front of their home crowd.

The shooting end had a different look to it this game, with Ameliaranne Ekenasio not taking the court, instead Tiana Metuarau pulled on the goal attack bib and she did not disappoint. Metuarau nailed 11 goals from 14 attempts and was pivotal in feeding the ball into goal shooter, Aaliyah Dunn who continued her hot form. Dunn was unstoppable under the ring, slotting 41 goals from 45 attempts sitting at 91 per cent accuracy. Whitney Souness was a real play maker up forward, leading the way with her 27 feeds and 17 goal assists. Up the defensive end, Karin Burger starred with an impressive six gains and four intercepts, while goal defence, Katrina Rore equally impressed with her seven gains and two intercepts.

Tactix seemed to struggle throughout the game, unable to match the Pulses’ intensity both offensively and defensively. Though Ellie Bird was solid under the post with her 28 goals it was the volume that was the main issue. Centre, Kimmiora Poi excelled through the middle of the court with her dash and dynamism causing havoc. Poi lead the way for the Tactix, credit to her timely feeds and clever placement (14 goal assists, 21 feeds). Sophia Fenwick and Jane Watson worked well in defence with seven gains, three intercepts and nine deflections between them but it was not enough to stop the influence of the Pulse shooters.

Southern Steel (73) defeated Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (53)

After a dominant second quarter, scoring 23 goals, the writing was on the wall for the Magic who were unable to combat the offensive pressure of the Steel. The Southern Steel simply outplayed the Magic with their impressive shooting, impeccable defence and ability to transition down the court with ease.

Shooting machine, Lenize Potgieter was once again on fire despite only playing three quarters, slotting a whopping 39 goals from 43 attempts, nailing 18 goals in the second quarter alone. Her partner in crime, Te Paea Selby-Rickit was also influential in the goal circle, contributing to the tally with 17 goals, while Jennifer O’Connell also rotated through, scoring 17 goals. In defence, Te Huinga Selby-Rickit proved her worth for the Steel, electric with eight deflections, four intercepts and three rebounds. Gina Crampton dominated through the attacking third, leading the goal assists with 24 and feeds with 47, while centre, Shannon Saunders played her role with 24 goal assists and 44 feeds.

Though the Magic struggled to keep up with the Steel, the likes of Casey Kopua and Abigail Latu-Meafou stood up for their side. Kopua starred in defence once again, picking up four intercepts and 10 gains credit to her ability to read the play and get into solid positions across the court. Latu-Meafou was the constant in goals scoring 24 from 30 attempts sitting at 80 per cent. Centre, Ariana Cable-Dixon was influential for the Magic with her timely feeds and goal assists, with 16 and 22 respectively.

Northern Stars (55) defeated Northern Mystics (49)

The Northern Stars seemed to have control of the match from the get-go, with defence a real feature of their game. For the Northern Mystics, they have plenty to be pleased about, as they fought their way back from a 13-goal deficit midway through the second term.

Defensively the Stars absolutely dominated, with the likes of Leana De Bruin and Storm Purvis wearing Mystics goal shooter Kristina Brice like a glove. The defensive pair were almost unstoppable with their strong hands over pressure, ability to read the play and control of the airways into goal. The work of Kayla Cullen in at wing defence was also impressive, covering the drives of her counterpart and getting her hands to ball, racking up three gains, one intercept and two deflections. Mila Reueleu-Buchanan showed great awareness throughout the game with her clever passes and impressive feeds. Shooters, Maia Wilson, Ellen Halpenny and Charlee Hodges all made their presence felt in the goal circle.

The Northern Mystics struggled in attack, with Brice unable to post up due to the tough defensive work of her opposition. At times, she seemed uncomfortable under the post and had soft hands on the take but the introduction of Grace Nweke into goal shooter paid dividends, scoring 27 goals from 33. Defenders, Erena Mikaere, Phoenix Karaka and Michaela Sokolich-Beatson paired exceptionally well, combining for seven intercepts, 13 gains and six deflections.