New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership: Round 7 International Player Watch

Round 7 of the ANZ Premiership was one of personal milestones, marginal victories, and surprise results.

International players as always contributed, continuing to show the world just what incredible talent we are going to have on show at the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023.

Here is this weeks’ International Player Watch…

Mystics 53 – 55 Pulse

The first match of Round 7 was a thriller, with table toppers Mystics dealt a blow by Pulse as the visitors beat them 53-55.

At half-time only one goal could separate the two sides, after Pulse’s healthy 18-9 first quarter victory saw them hold onto a 28-27 lead.

The third 15-minute period then went goal-for-goal, with both teams battling it out throughout the court.

A match-up that the international fans would have enjoyed watching live on NetballPass was that between Silver Fern teammates turned domestic opponents, Grace Nweke and Kelly Jury.

Nweke was at goal shoot for Mystics, whilst Jury started at goalkeeper for Pulse and the two players gave each other no room to move.

Despite Nweke continuing her fine form and shooting at over 93%, it was Jury’s Pulse side that came out on top just about surviving a last quarter Mystics come-back.

Stars 49 – 47 Steel

The second match of the round was one of two halves, with Stars winning the first and second quarters, and Steel the third and fourth.

It was Stars shooting start that eventually proved enough to win the match though, taking them up to 4^th in the league and leaving Steel trailing at the bottom still searching for their first win of the season.

Stars Silver Fern heavy attacking line-up included Mila Reuelu-Buchanan at centre, Gina Crampton at wing attack, and Maia Wilson at goal attack and the trio worked tirelessly throughout court showcasing their experience, as they protected the ball and clung onto win in the dying seconds.

Although Steel came away on the losing side, this was without a doubt their strongest performance of the season so far with Samoan international, Saviour Tui, returning from injury and making an instant impact at goal shooter.

The visitors’ will be hoping this marks a turn in their performances, and a win will soon be on the cards.

Magic 46 – 49 Tactix  

A second half fight-back from Tactix saw them climb up to second in the table this weekend, as they beat Magic 46-49.

With 30-minutes played, things looked to be going Magic’s way as they lead by three goals and looked to be on top.

However, as the second half got underway Tactix had a newfound energy with their defensive pair of Jane Watson and Karin Burger growing into the game, and having more of an impact when it mattered most as the game progressed.

Silver Fern Watson shone in particular at goal keeper, making four gains and two interceptions.

Whilst at the other end of the court for Tactix, two more Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Aliyah Dunn played their part in ensuring their team got across the line, as they both shot at over 90% in a highly pressured game.

Pulse 62 – 38 Steel

The final match of the round saw the biggest victory margin of the round, with Pulse beating Steel 62-38, leaving the visitors still without their first victory.

The high-scoring victory was not the only thing the Pulse team had to celebrate though, as one of their players, Tiana Metuarau, also hit a personal milestone as she became the youngest player, at 22, to play 100 games in the ANZ Premiership.

Metuarau is part of the Silver Ferns development squad, and if her performances are anything to go by the future is looking bright for the current World Champions.

The 22-year-old marked the momentous occasion at goal attack, where converted 10 out of her 13 shots, helping her side cruise to a 62-38 victory.