Star shooter shows her worth
It is often asked how strong the tabletopping Southern Steel would be without their star import Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.
Yesterday’s ANZ Premiership clash against the struggling Tactix provided the answer — and it wasn’t flattering.
The Steel had to call on FowlerReid, who was rested for the middle two quarters, to save the day in the final spell as the league cellardwellers closed to within one goal by the end of the third quarter.
The return of the Jamaican supershooter saw the Steel ease out to a 61-55 win, denying the Tactix a deserved bonus point.
Looking to give some of their younger brigade more court time, the Steel injected goal attack Jamie Hume and goal defence Abby Erwood into the starting line-up.
While still having the safety net of Fowler-Reid, 21-year-old Hume did not look out of place, effectively setting up the circle movement and shooting with accuracy.
Both teams contributed to an open and entertaining spectacle early on, the Tactix showing great patience in getting the ball into Brooke Leaver and Anna Thompson.
A clutch of mistimed passes from the Tactix proved crucial, the Steel pouncing and building a handy 21-14 lead at the first break, FowlerReid sinking a perfect 16 goals from 16 attempts.
One tall goal shooter replaced another on the resumption, Fowler-Reid taking to the bench while rookie 1.94m Ellie Bird took her place under the Tactix hoop.
Elevated from the Mainland Beko Netball League team the week before, Bird made an instant impression, her height proving a ready and visible target.
Midcourters Thompson and Nicola Mackle provided an efficient service as the visitors evened up the contest.
The Steel took time to adapt to their new com- bination of Te Paea Selby-Rickit (goal shoot) and Hume, the Tactix more than keeping their opponents honest as they went on to narrowly win the quarter, the home team heading into the main break with a 34-28 lead. Fowler-Reid remained on the bench for the third stanza, Hume and SelbyRickit switching positions ahead of a stirring comeback from the Tactix. With Leaver and Bird excelling under the Tactix hoop and defenders Zoe Walker and Temalisi Fakahokotau picking off turnovers at the other end, the visitors chipped away at the deficit before levelling. It was an exciting run to the last break, the teams going goal-for-goal with the Steel protecting a narrow 53-52 lead.