At a glance
Normal service resumes
Title favourites, the Central Pulse, returned to winning ways in convincing fashion. Having lost their first game of the season last week, 52-51 to the Mystics, coach Yvette McCausland-Durie wanted a big response from her side on Sunday.
The Pulse showed why they’re the team to beat in 2018, pulling away from the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in the third quarter to win 63-48.
There aren’t a huge amount of chinks in the Pulse armour. Teenage shooting duo, Aliyah Dunn and Tiana Metuarau, have provided a glimpse into the Silver Ferns’ future with their strong play.
At the back end, Ferns skipper Katrina Grant and the rejuvenated Sulu Fitzpatrick, have been mightily impressive. The Pulse midcourt engine room of Whitney Souness, Claire Kersten and Karin Burger don’t often get the attention they deserve, but have led the way on both attack and defence.
Shooting stars
The Northern Stars are finally on the board. Kiri Wills’ side tasted victory for the first time since May 22, 2017, on Monday night, edging the Tactix 56-53 in south Auckland.
It snapped a 12-game losing run, having lost their opening seven matches of 2018 and last five in 2017. They gave their fans a minor scare in the second half, almost letting a nine-goal halftime lead slip late in the game as the Tactix clawed their way back.
After losing their previous three games by narrow margins of three, three and two, the Stars were chuffed to finally finish on the right side of the scoreboard.
I’m a survivor
Remember the Northern Force, Capital Shakers and Western Flyers?
They were teams in the former New Zealand domestic netball league, which ended in 2007 before the now defunct transTasman Round eight:
❚ Tomorrow 4.10pm: Steel v Tactix at More FM Arena, Dunedin.
❚ Monday 7.40pm: Pulse v Stars at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.
❚ Wednesday 7.40pm: Magic v Mystics at Claudelands Arena, Hamilton.
Points (games played): Pulse 15 (8), Steel 13 (9), Tactix 10 (9), Mystics 10 (8), Magic 9 (8), Stars 7 (8).
Temalisi Fakahokotau continues to go from strength to strength.
Fakahokotau established herself as the Silver Ferns’ first-choice goal keep at the Commonwealth Games and has been in stellar touch for the Tactix in the national premiership.
The Aucklander has found a new lease of life in Christchurch with the Tactix, where she is in her second season with the team. She is the leading defender statistically in all three key categories. Fakahokotau tops the charts for rebounds (16), deflections (65) and intercepts (30). Alongside Jane Watson she’s formed an effective defensive combination at the Tactix.
Tight tussle for finals
Just four points separate second from fifth on the premiership ladder.
The table-topping Pulse, who have lost just once this season, are favoured to finish first and secure a home final in Wellington, but the fight for the elimination final, which is contested between the second and third placed sides, is wide open.
The Steel, Mystics and Magic will all fancy their chances with matches between those teams having major playoff implications.
The Tactix have dropped their past five games, but remain third, courtesy of picking up four bonus points for close losses.