Mystics and Stars are tied at the top of the table, whilst Steels are still searching for their first win as Round 9 comes to a close.
International fans can rewatch all of the action via NetballPass for free and we’ve highlighted some of the international players that shone below…
Steel 43 – 44 Pulse
Pulse continued their good form with a fifth straight win, but they had to wait until the final four seconds in a thrilling contest against Steel.
The home side started the match well with Silver Fern Kate Heffernen providing high levels of intensity and consequently claiming interceptions. She helped her side into a five-goal lead into half-time, with Steel having 28 shots in the first half compared to Pulse’s 19.
Pulse came out firing in the second half with Amelia Walmsley at goal shooter always providing an option in the circle and looking clinical under the post. The 19-year-old finished the match missing just one shot throughout and is definitely a young player to watch out for!
With the scores level with 15 minutes to go, the match went goal-for-goal until Walmsley clinched the win for Pulse with just four seconds remaining.
Pulse now sit second in the table, whilst Steel are still looking for their first win.
Tactix 50 – 74 Mystics
Mystics remain at the top of the table with a dominant 74 – 50 victory over Tactix.
This was the biggest score produced in a regular game this season with their Silver Fern attacking duo of Peta Toeava at wing attack and Grace Nweke combining repeatedly as they raced into a 39 – 27 lead at half-time.
Nweke netted an impressive 64 goals from 66 attempts and sits top of the league’s goalscorer table.
The Mystics scoring rate slowed down slightly in the second half, with Tactix and Silver Fern defender Karin Burger providing energy for her side as she finished the match with six intercepts through the match.
The match ended 74-50 with Mysics showcasing their all-round ability.
Stars 61 – 55 Magic
Stars kept their hopes of a place in the Finals alive as they continued their winning streak.
The Stars led this match from start to finish as they produced a consistent display throughout. Silver Fern Maia Wilson produced a dominant display at goal shooter as she converted 47 from 49 and now sits in 2nd place in the league’s goalscorer table.
The Stars had developed a 35-28 lead going into the half-time break, and they managed to maintain this throughout the second half. Silver Fern, Claire Kersten, moved to centre for the second half and this seemed to add some impetus to the Magics’s play, however, it was short-lived as inconsistency cost them.
This loss means Magic’s hopes of featuring in the play-offs took a big hit, whilst Stars sit in 3rd in the league standings.
Pulse 54 – 45 Tactix
Pulse secured their second victory in Round 9 whilst Tactix recorded their second loss in as many days.
Going into the first break, Tactix had the lead by one goal, however Kelly Jury produced some smart defensive work in the second quarter as Pulse reduced the number of Tactix shots on goal and took a two goal lead into the half-time break.
It looked like Pulse were pulling away from Tactix with Whitney Souness driving her side through court, however Tactix came fighting back with England Rose Laura Malcolm confidently feeding Selby-Rickit with Pulse leading by just one goal with 15 minutes remaining.
Despite Selby-Rickit scoring at 100% throughout the match, Pulse took control in the final quarter and are now level on points with Mystics at the top of the table.
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