Round 5 of the ANZ Premiership (ANZP) brought three close contest that would’ve left fans on the edge of their seats as they watched along on NetballPass.
The most anticipated game of the ANZP season so far saw the leagues two unbeaten teams, Pulse and Tactix go head-to-head at the Fly Palmy Arena.
The match was very low scoring, with all eyes on the defenders as Pulse’s Silver Fern Kelly Jackson stole the show and the win for her team as she picked up 12 gains.
Fellow Silver Ferns Karin Burger and Jane Watson also looked strong for Tactix, but it just wasn’t to be for their side as Pulse won all four quarters marginally to take the win, 36-30, and remain the only unbeaten side in the league this season.
That wasn’t the closest match of the round though with Stars and Mystics only separated by five goals at full time in their match up.
It was Mystics that secured the points after a late surge in the match saw them win the final quarter by three goals, and the match 51-56.
Again, it was a Silver Fern defender that made the difference with Phoenix Karaka making three interceptions and picking up six gains, which proved crucial in her teams marginal win.
The largest win margin in Round 5 was still only nine goals, and this came in the match between Magic and Steel.
Just like in the Stars vs Mystics game it was a strong final quarter performance from Magic which saw the score turn in their favour at the full-time whistle.
Magic won the final 15 minutes 16-7, and sticking with the theme of standout defensive performances, Erena Mikaere and Oceane Maihi were both key in this victory, picking up 13 gains and 14 deflections between them.
You can catch up on all this week’s nail-biters on NetballPass now.