Central Pulse's grip on the national netball premiership is tightening after they delivered a ruthless display in thumping the Magic 54-33 in Wellington.
Pulse midcourter Whitney Souness Photo: Photosport
The win was underpinned by a strong through-court defence and an uptempo, intelligent midcourt, and extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games.
The Pulse made their defensive presence felt from the first centre pass while they were clinical on attack with their connections up front unbreakable.
Magic shooter Kelsey McPhee had impressed in recent weeks but her contribution to this game was limited as hardworking Pulse defenders Katrina Rore, Sulu Fitzpatrick and Karin Burger restricted her to eight from 11 attempts in the opening 30 minutes.
Monica Falkner, alternating between goal attack and goal shoot shot, 18 from 24.
The Pulse dominated throughout, restricting the Magic to single-figure returns in each quarter although their lead at the first break was only 13-9.
That ballooned out to 28-15 at halftime, and 41-24 at the three-quarter mark. Shooter Aliyah Dunn missed just two of her 32 shots on goal, while goal attack Ameliaranne Ekenasio returned a more modest tally of 22 from 32 in her return from the ankle injury which forced her from the court last week.
Their efforts were noteworthy, coming under constant pressure from experienced Magic defenders Kelly Jury and Casey Kopua.