The Mainland Tactix beat the Southern Steel 48-35 in Auckland last night, to move up to third on the ANZ Premiership ladder after six rounds.
Ellie Bird Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Tactix shooter Ellie Bird was the standout shooter, finishing with 32 from 34 at 94 percent.
The Steel now sit at the bottom of the ladder, while the Pulse continue their unbeaten run.
Match-up of the Round: Burger v Toeava
When these two teams first met in round three, Elisapeta Toeava had a big game against Silver Ferns' wing defence Karin Burger. Her speed at wing attack was enough to beat Burger on a number of occasions. But Burger, who's come into some vintage form, didn't let Toeava have the run of the court this time. In fact Toeava, who has been having a strong season, was benched after 19 minutes. It was the perfect reply from Burger, who picked up the MVP. The next chapter in this match-up will be fascinating when they meet on the 2nd August.
Most perplexing game: Pulse v Northern Mystics
With the Northern Mystics sitting second on the ladder this was expected to be the game where the Pulse could really come under the pump. But the Pulse made a dream start and the Mystics were hamstrung by a lack of goals coming from the goal attack. Asher Grapes has struggled to put up shots which perhaps isn't surprising when the 19-year-old has come from a background of playing more as a utility across centre, wing attack, and goal attack. Saviour Tui put up the first shot from that position for the Mystics with three minutes left in the third quarter. Grace Nweke was brilliant again but it's just not sustainable to have so much reliance on one shooter. The Mystics' final quarter was by far their best and another reminder of how quickly they can score. Led by Sulu Fitzpatrick at the back they put on seven in a row to get them within four, with less than two minutes left. But the Pulse denied them a bonus point, winning 44-38. It was a slick performance from the Pulse, considering they were without Ameliaranne Ekenasio for parts of the game after an ankle injury.
Game of the Round: Pulse beat Tactix 33-32
The Mainland Tactix certainly made up for the disappointing performance of the Northern Mystics when they pushed the Pulse to the wire on Sunday. Led by a mammoth defensive effort from Temalisi Fakahokotau and Jane Watson, the Tactix stuck with the defending champions and pulled ahead by four in the final quarter. But as they've done so many times the Pulse found something extra. Claire Kersten grabbed a beautiful intercept, Tiana Metuarau grabbed some timely rebounds and the Pulse caught up. Kersten was pinged for intentional delay, the ball was advanced and Te Paea Selby-Rickit slotted a beautiful long shot but was controversially denied the draw by the sound of the buzzer.
Combination of the round: Watson + Fakahokotau
Jane Watson picked up the MVP award in the Tactix narrow loss to the Pulse, with one intercept and an incredible 10 deflections to her name. Last night Watson backed that up with another MVP performance. Her partner in the defensive circle - goal keep Temalisi Fakahokotau performed superbly over the weekend too. Together they are immense and seem to relish working with one another. They communicate regularly and efficiently and always seem ready for when the other tips the ball.
Other results from the round:
Friday, Mystics beat Stars 51-47
Sunday, Steel beat Magic 41-40