WITH a new look line-up, the Tactix showed that they meant business racing out of the blocks before reigning premiers, Central Pulse highlighted why they should be considered a threat once again in 2020 taking out a 12-goal win, 53-41. Central regained control after the first quarter relying on their strong connections and signature ball movement to dice through their opposition while the Tactix tinkered with their starting seven to find the winning combination.

The Mainland Tactix got out to a slim lead in the opening quarter with the new combination of Ellie Bird and Te Paea Selby-Rickit seeming to work wonders under the post. Bird was unfazed by the Pulse’s defensive pressure rising to the occasion time and time again and using her height to full effect. The goal shooter led the way in the goal circle with seven goals from eight attempts while Selby-Rickit was also accurate to post only missing the one goal for the quarter. Their movement in the circle was impressive with the two opening up space and using their varying styles to keep the defenders busy. The midcourt service from the likes of Erikana Pedersen and Kimiora Poi was key to their early success with the latter taking full control in the centre. Poi found plenty of space and hit the circle edge with precision to feed into both Bird and Selby-Rickit with a team-high five goal assists for the term. While she impressed, her opposing centre Claire Kersten shone bright for the Pulse using her drive and strength to receive the ball and have an impact across the court with the two going toe-to-toe throughout the term.

The one goal difference quickly evaporated by the end of the second quarter with both sides heading into half time with 22 goals apiece credit to the high intensity game. Central Pulse only made one change in the second with Elle Temu coming on in goal keeper. Temu had an immediate impact down back with her ball winning ability and physicality picking up one gain and three deflections. Up the other end, Aliyah Dunn and Ameliaranne Ekenasio increased their load and accuracy to get back to level pegging’s. Dunn was solid as ever under the post using her quick feet, spatial awareness and strong holding ability to make the most of her opportunities shooting at 100 per cent with eight goals. Although Ekenasio was not as damaging under the post her playmaking abilities out the front once again proved to be the key with three goal assists.

The third term was the real turning point for the reigning premiers with Pulse well and truly putting their foot down. The 16 goals to nine quarter showcased just how explosive they can be working their way down the court with ease and most importantly finding their groove in defence. The defensive trio of Karin Burger, Katrina Rore and Kelly Jury seemed to be the wall down back they needed simply repelling any ball that came their way. Rore’s drive through the midcourt was impressive receiving her fair share of centre passes and creating a wealth of forward thrusts to spur her side on. The experienced captain also showcased her defensive tendencies with a gain and rebound while Burger impressed in wing defence using her long arms and deceptive speed to record a gain and an intercept in that term alone. While the Pulse defensive unit upped their ante, so did the Tactix with Jane Watson and Temalisi Fakahokotau combining to win a wealth of ball back with three gains, two intercepts and five deflections however it was not enough to quell the influence of Dunn and Ekenasio under the post.

With one quarter left to play, the Pulse did not muck around making light work of their opponents with a 15 goals to 10 quarter. Mainland worked tirelessly to wear down the visiting side but they simply could not stop the Pulse who looked in control in every aspect across the court. Wing attack Maddy Gordon continued her strong form in the attacking third while Kersten kicked it up a gear with a timely intercept and a gain. With Gordon having such a strong influence Charlotte Elley struggled to prevent her from hitting the circle edge. In hope to find a spark inside the attacking third for the Tactix Samon Nathan played a full quarter using her speed and quick hands to work the ball around but it was little too late with the game all but won.

Dunn was the most prolific shooter on the day walking away with 35 goals from 38 attempts at 92 per cent accuracy while her partner in crime, Ekenasio managed 18 goals from 22 shots. On the other hand, Bird inflicted the most scoreboard pain with 26 goals from 29 attempts with recruit Selby-Rickit struggling for accuracy sitting at 68 per cent thanks to her 15 goals from 22.