Steel thrash Pulse

A cheer went around Te Rauparaha Arena, halfway through the second quarter.

It was to greet the moment the Central Pulse narrowed the Southern Steel’s lead from 21 goals to 20. That’s right, 20 goals. Steel 35 Pulse 15, that made it. There was only going to be one winner from there and the Steel duly went on to record a thoroughly resounding 80-44 victory.

And all credit to them. This wasn’t the Mainland Tactix the Steel were playing, who they’ve already put 90 goals on during this national netball premiership season. No, this was a Pulse team who the table says are the second best team in the competition.

Second best indeed. The Pulse were playing catch-up from the opening centre pass, turning over their first possession to concede an early 2-0 lead.

Things just deteriorated from there, thanks to some horrific work on attack.

The Steel haven’t won 10-from10 this year by accident. They’re a good team, who’s greatest strength is an ability to score quickly.

They’re far from infallible, though. But if you’re are going to beat them, then the absolute nonnegotiable is that you look after your own ball and get it to a shot and then convert those shot into goals.

The Pulse have endured some shocking defeats in their time, particularly against Australian opposition. But, without wanting to labour the point too long, this was first against second in the national premiership, not first against last.

On this evidence, the Steel are going to take some beating this season.