Steel well beaten in opener
The Southern Steel would have been after much better than what they offered in their ANZ Premiership opener.
They are a team that sets their standards incredibly high, however they will be returning from Christchurch searching for answers after they were outclassed by the Tactix 52-35 on Monday night.
Sorely missed in the loss were Shannon Saunders, who missed last season to become a mother and is still on the sideline with a knee issue, and shooter Jennifer O’Connell, who was signed as a replacement as English Roses player George Fisher is out for the season with a knee problem.
Adding to coach Reinga Bloxham’s woes was newly appointed skipper Kate Heffernan, forced off at halftime with an ankle issue.
The Steel struggled to get into the contest early and as a result produced their lowest score in a quarter – four goals. Once they got behind, it became difficult for them to work their way back into the contest.
The midcourt found it difficult getting the ball in to the shooting duo of Kate Heffernan and Grace Namana, who was making her first full-time appearance for the Steel.
Abby Lawson added plenty of spice and aggression when she entered play at halftime, while Namana showed potential.
South African defender Jeante Strydom moved to wing defence and showed plenty of ability to swap between there and the defensive circle. She was joined by Martina Salmon and Grace Southby as new Steel debutants.
Neither side’s shooting statistics were truly impressive – the Steel on 85%, and the Tactix 74% – although’s Namana’s contribution of 22 from 25 was the most solid individual performance under the hoop.
Two of the best for the Tactix were former Steel players Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson.
The Steel knew they would have to work out how to get the ball into the circle more frequently ahead of the next round.
Their next clash was at Stadium Southland on April 22 when they would welcome the Mystics to town, and it was hoped there would be a big crowd in attendance to help the Steel end their 18-match losing run.