Tactix bolster playoff hopes as Pulse fade
It went down to the wire in Wellington last night but the Mainland Tactix scored a crucial win over the Central Pulse, leaving the capital side’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
The bonus-point loss means the two-time defending champions are not entirely out of the running for that competitive third and final playoff spot on the ANZ Premiership table but their way is heavily obstructed by the in-form Tactix and Southern Steel.
To have any chance, the Pulse must win their remaining three games and hope the Steel and Tactix pick up no points from their final three fixtures. The Pulse would also need the best goal difference of the three.
Victory puts the Tactix firmly in contention for a finals spot after bouncing back from starting the season with three straight losses.
They had to come from behind last night, with a strong start for the hosts as a determined Pulse defensive end helped them to the first quarter break with a two-goal lead.
The Pulse continued their charge into the second, missing only one goal. However, the relentless Tactix defensive duo of Karin Burger and Jane Watson allowed them to hold only a one-goal lead at halftime.
Changes by Pulse coach Gail
Parata which saw Maddy Gordon move to centre and Claire Kersten to wing defence didn’t pay off for the home side, with the Tactix clawing their way to a two-goal lead in the tight affair.
Going into the final quarter, the Pulse reverted to their original lineup, before the addition of defender Paris Lokotui saw the hosts draw level. But the Tactix scored the last three goals to clinch victory.
A consistent 60-minute performance from the Tactix proved why they are playoff contenders.
MVP Karin Burger cited their ability to finish matches aggressively and persistently as their key strength.
“I’m really proud of the girls that we were able to pull through in the end, in those last dire moments,” Burger said.
The Pulse will attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in Wellington tomorrow, while the Tactix host the second-placed Northern Stars in Christchurch on Monday.