King James
Young shooters impress
Shooting has been the Silver Ferns’ scourge in recent times.
It’s only early days, but the performances of several young Kiwi shooters in the opening round was pleasing.
Pulse youngster Aliyah Dunn, a member of last year’s world championship-winning New Zealand under-21 side, was the performer of the first round, landing a combined 56 of 62 ( 90 per cent).
There were also positive signs from Tiana Metuarau (Pulse) and Maia Wilson (Stars). Jennifer O’Connell (Steel) and Ellie Bird (Tactix) both had their moments and possess intriguing height, which has been lacking in the Ferns’ attacking end.
The next wave of shooters are a long way off the finished article, but there is a lot to like.
If they can string consistent performances together as the season wears on and put up accurate numbers, they’ll be in the mix for Ferns’ trials later in the year.
The season-opening Super Sunday in Palmerston North needed to start with a bang, but it was more like a whimper.
It’s normal for sides to be a tad rusty in their first hit out, but some of the skill execution and sloppy turnovers was painful to watch.
The spotlight is firmly on the ANZ Premiership in season two. There is no question the intensity and precision from teams in matches must drastically improve.
One solace was the thrilling extra time battle in the last game of Super Sunday, which provided some desperately needed impetus after two one-sided games.
Several emerging talents outshone their Silver Fern counterparts too, offering a glimpse into the future.
Improved Tactix show promise
Hands up if you had the Tactix starting the season 2-0?
The long-time laughing stock of New Zealand netball have made a fine start with victories over the Stars and Mystics.
What’s been most encouraging about the early wins has been their resilience when the going has got tough.
They came from five goals down with ❚ Sunday 4.10pm: Mystics v Stars at Trusts Arena, Auckland.
❚ Monday 7.40pm: Pulse v Tactix at TSB Bank Arena, Wellington.
❚ Wednesday
7.40pm: Steel v Magic at More FM Arena, Dunedin.
(games played) Pulse 4 (2), Tactix 4 (2), Steel 2
(2), Stars 1 (1), Mystics
1 (2), Magic 0 (1). eight minutes left to force extra time, then beat the Stars.
Against the Mystics, the lead see-sawed in the second half, but the Tactix held their nerve in the crunch stages and banked a morale-boosting result.
For a team known for capitulating in the past, when the opposition went on a run of goals, this is a serious step forward.
Misfiring Mystics
The Mystics are fast rivalling their crosstown rugby brothers, the Blues, as the most under-performing sports team in the City of Sails.
For years, the Mystics have boasted quality squads on paper, but failed to live up to their billing.
Tipped by some as favourites for the title, the Mystics have been a mess in their opening two losses.
The heat will start going on second-year coach Helene Wilson if she doesn’t find a way to get the best out of her talented lineup.
Losing to fellow Auckland side, the Stars, in only their second year of existence, on Sunday would be a nightmare start to 2018.
The Barfoot and Thompson Northern Challenge will be on the line for the first time for the winner.
Pulse off to flying start
The Central Pulse are enjoying this national netball premiership.
Battlers for most of the former transTasman league, the Kiwi domestic competition has been much more to their liking.
Runner-up in the inaugural season last year, the Pulse are the early pacesetters in 2018, winning their opening two matches.
They caused headaches for the Magic with their defensive pressure, which paved the way for a comfortable 45-33 win.
Just over 24 hours later, the Pulse backed up against the Steel in a rematch of last year’s decider, coming out on top 62-51.
The Pulse might be the youngest side in the league with an average age of 22, but their greenhorns are playing with a level of maturity belying their experience.
Next up are the Tactix on Monday with the reward for the victor a 3-0 record.