Pulse pull out stops in last minute for draw

Central Pulse retrieved a 47-47 draw in the face of defeat in yesterday afternoon's thriller match with the New South Wales Swifts.

Five minutes from the last whistle, Pulse were still five goals down. In the last quarter captain and defender Katrina Grant gained valuable ball for her team but failed to capitalise. The first went straight back into opposition hands and the second intended for Te Huinga Selby Rickit went directly outside. The team need to own these actions as much as Grant because on occasions there were too few players presenting for passes and eyes were not on the ball.  Maybe that is why Liz Ellis thinks there is a problem with New Zealand teams' fitness.

However Pulse retrieved ball from Swifts' errors in the five minutes remaining. Even another goal and outright victory was possible but in the end not achievable. However the fight to equalise showed courage and determination.

Player of the match was the Pulse's Ameliaranne Wells who was on 89% after three quarters of netball. Wells and the canny Jodi Brown made exceptional use of circle space. Tight marking by Swifts' goal keep Sharni Layton helped Pulse as penalties incurred by Layton meant shots were taken close to the post. Swifts' goal defence Julie Corletto played a sound game before leaving the match with calf problems. Wells' shooting became more inaccurate in the last quarter ending with a 79% accuracy rate as pressure from Layton and Corletto's replacement Micaela Wilson persisted, . However Wells' understanding with Brown and ability to pass vital ball to her in the face of defenders while the crowd held their breath, turned out to be sound logic. Brown - despite being pushed and shoved to extremes - had an overall accuracy of 84%.

Extreme physicality contributed to a total of 150 penalties for the game with the Pulse earning 60 of these. It was not that the game was over-whistled but rather that competency and ball skill was upheld.

At the other end of the court Susan Pettitt and former Pulse player Caitlin Thwaites conversion rates for the match were in the mid 80s. They shared the shooting load with Thwaites converting just three more shots.

The Swifts' centre court of captain Kim Green as wing attack (replaced in the last quarter by Stephanie Wood), Paige Hadley and Abbey McCulloch pressed the Pulse hard. McCulloch attempted to close the Pulse's Liana Leota out. Jolene Henry tried to do the same to Green and her replacement Wood. Henry's ability to intercept and/or deflect gained valuable ball and her eye for swift, accurate ball directly to the shooter was impressive.

Elias Shadrock continued to grow in her centre role passing crisply and placing herself well on the circle edge.

Te Huinga Selby Rickit as goal keep was impressive, calmly picking up ball and dispatching it efficiently.

All the Pulse need to do now to continue their progress would be defeating an Australian side. They came very close to it last night.

Central Pulse team up well for 49-38 victory over Magic

Pulse gave supporters a welcome lift last night in their 49-38 victory over the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.

Pulse have risen to the occasion before with Magic and it was a true team effort last night (Monday). The line-up was traditional rather than innovative but Katrina Grant and Te Huinga Reo Selby Rickit showed flair in defence along with wing defence Joline Henry who was brilliant in restricting ball to Magic goalers. Selby Rickit too not only picked up valuable ball but conveyed it with accuracy to centre court players.

Centre Elias Shadrock and wing attack Liana Leota were also impressively sharp and rapidly responsive in the mid court. Although both sides incurred many turnovers, Pulse's ability to get ball to the shooters Irene van Dyk and Jodi Brown enabled 60 shots to be taken at goal with a highly satisfactory 82% conversion rate.

Individuals fronted up impressively as a team, but it should be kept in mind that Magic is a relatively young team sorely missing their captain Casey Kopua in the defence line. However the Magic's Leana de Bruin was a very effective defender. Magic goal shooter Jo Harten stepped up urging her team on and centre court players Samantha Sinclair, Jamie-Lee Price and Grace Rasmussen were sharp on attack. However, the Pulse's defence all over court was extraordinarily effective, throttling passage to the Magic goal.

Magic did not hesitate to call in their bench players but the Pulse momentum allowed them to triumph by 11 goals.

Central Pulse attack options too narrow against Northern Mystics' onslaught

Pulse need to concentrate on craftier midcourt play to succeed in the ANZ championships.

It's easy looking at the goal scores to say that the problem is goaler accuracy. But as commentators have pointed out, Pulse often lack a "second phase" . Too swift centre passes after the whistle are part of this. Centre Elias Shadrock continues to play these passes and she is a  promising player (although not necessarily just as centre). The opposition are too close and attackers are often within hand or elbow reach of defenders. Attackers must find space. On Monday the ball teetered in small narrow passes down to the goal. Temepara Bailey observed that Pulse often had just one option on attack. 

The shooters have already been tormented into an eye of the needle scenario making desperate sorties to try to find space to launch a goal. The whole thing is frantic and frenetic and psychologically undermining. What follows swiftly deflates the hopes of great defenders like Joline Henry. Adept defenders Katrina Grant and Ama Agbeze then watch the ball at the other end being tossed around some more. A goal might be tried and possibly lost. Shooters, whipped into a frenzy, lose accuracy.

This match was more frustrating than most because shooter Ameliaranne Wells shooting at 78 per cent accuracy was shunted off for Irene van Dyk. When a player like Wells who will shoot from most places in the circle was so close to optimal 80 per cent shooting, putting her off was a bad idea. Van Dyk came on briefly but that particular duo did not work and the reinstated Wells had lost her composure and accuracy. Her partner Jodi Brown is a competent feinter and dodger but prefers to shoot further in especially when surrounded by defenders like Temalisi Fakahokotau and Kayla Cullen. Despite some difficulty converting in the last quarter, Wells fed Brown with superb timing.

Contrast the movement of the Pulse with the Mystics. Despite both sides making many errors causing frequent turnovers, Mystics deployed time effectively to set up first and second phase. Players found space comfortably apart from the opposition around centre court. Defenders from both ends could disrupt things in and around the circle, but Mystics' passes were generally longer and more accurate. Procession to the goal was swift and efficient and less claustrophobic than the Pulse's torturous route. 

Liana Leota projected fatigue rather than her usual flair and enjoyment.  Playing alongside Serena Guthrie full of energy, flair and crafty play was always going to be difficult. No Whitney Sounness came out to relieve Leota when the fourth quarter started. Sounness might lack big match experience but she has so far proved to have a great jump, feeds cleverly and comes on well as an impact player. Sounness is capable and crafty on the circle edge. A ball or two might have been lost in transition but her previous impact performances should have earned her a place in the last quarter or last half.

Both Mystics' Fakahokotau and Cullen were superb in defence although Fakahokotau needs to stay off the body more. Laura Langman and Nadia Loveday in the Mystics centre court had a good court flow to the maestros Cathryn Latu and Maria Tutaia in the goal circle. Joline Henry's game was masterful with the ability to save and gather ball and look long.

Pulse defeated by fiery Firebirds in very physical match

Queensland Firebirds enjoyed a 52-46 victory over the Central Pulse at Te Rauparaha Arena last night in a thrilling tussle.

The Pulse managed to keep within a couple of goals against the Firebirds until three-quarter time. But their shooters failed to match the 16 goals put in by Firebirds' Romelda Aiken and Amorette Wild in the final quarter. Pulse coach Robyn Broughton stuck with her starting seven throughout and centre courters Leana Leota and Elias Shadrock did not disappoint with aerial dynamism and slick passing. I heard the game being described as "Bullrush" and certainly both of these centre courters had to put up with Firebirds pretty much in their face. Firebirds' wing defence Gabi Simpson was sinbinned for three goals' duration for repeated deliberate contact offences in the third quarter.

Jolene Henry was always dangerous at wing defence but the force and velocity of the ball thrown at her colleagues on a few occasions meant it went out and possession was squandered. Katrina Grant began brilliantly by intercepting the Firebirds' first centre pass and remained a defensive force to reckon with. Ama Agbeze starting for the injured Te Huinga Reo Selby Rickit did some outstanding defence work on the very tall 1.96m Romelda Aiken. Aiken though was by far the most prolific of the Firebirds' shooters landing 37 from 45 shots and it was difficult to do anything about the bolt shots delivered straight to her.

Whitney Sounness was not used but could have been used to spell Shadrock or Leota. Perhaps inserting impact players for a spell or two might have given the Firebirds something to think about and adjust to. Using the same seven gives the future opposition lots of information and makes the Pulse strategy predictable. However, undoubtedly the Firebirds are one of the toughest Australian sides so the decision to use the same seven was probably made with that in mind.

Kim Ravaillion and Verity Simmonds at centre court for the Firebirds played with flair. Simmonds fell on, and injured her wrist just before full time when she collided with Jolene Henry and appeared to be in considerable pain. Pulse redoubled their efforts and managed to add to their score but it was too late and the Firebirds coasted to a comfortable win.

Pulse falter while Magic sparkle

Mojo Pulse's abysmal result of 64-40 against the Melbourne Vixens yesterday at Margaret Court stadium in Melbourne was about the whole team.

While captain Katrina Grant played a sterling game, many Pulse senior players - and Pulse is the most experienced team in the league with eight players having over 50 ANZ matches - performed as nervous individuals.

The slickness and even the confidence in their own fitness exemplified in their pre-season game against the Vixens vanished. It is too easy to blame goalers for the result. The Pulse's first goal took nearly four minutes. Ameliaranne Wells was penalised for the shortest three seconds I have known which would not have settled nerves. But the centre court of Liana Leota, Joline Henry and Elias Shadrock have to take responsibility. As Sky commentator Sue Gaudion noted when Whitney Souness came on in the fourth quarter and attempted to deliver to the circle, better lead-ins were required. Although Souness's attempt was unsuccessful Gaudion applauded the effort which she thought was overdue. Souness's error rate was no worse than much more senior players and her circle edge approaches skilful. 

The Pulse should have been warned in pre-season play against the Southern Steel in Otaki. In their first quarter before recovering to comfortably take the game they were at one stage ten goals down. This is not the hallmark of an experienced and match-ready team and the Steel do not boast anything like the experience of the Pulse. The ANZ is a class competition. You cannot expect to run such deficits and win.

Henry needed to step up to the challenge of the Vixens' Madi Robinson who seemed to have the freedom of the court. Leota can feed adeptly but she was not up to the challenge yesterday. Part of the problem might have been Kate Moloney who was all over everything including Leota. Leota like many Pulse players projected weariness but standing tall against Moloney's incursions might have yielded the odd contact penalty.

Liz Watson, Moloney and Robinson as Vixens' centre, wing defence and wing attack were a formidable frontline. Perhaps this was an occasion to call on Henry as a centre, so that Shadrock could have utilised her effective wing defence skills. Perhaps Leota could have been relieved for at least a quarter (by Souness) to recover. Van Dyk too should have come on earlier, either with Jodi Brown (as actually occurred) or with Ameliaranne Wells, a combination which seemed to work in pre-season games. Coach Broughton does have options, but struggling players - experienced or otherwise - should not be left to flounder.

The Pulse's issue is not with goalers as such but with a whole team effort bringing the ball to the edge of the circle rather than throwing and hoping. At three quarter time the Pulse had only 37 attempts at goal compared with the Vixens 52. Shooters cannot perform without adequate ball supply. The Pulse did not pass swiftly enough, creating situations where circle entry became difficult if not impossible.

Van Dyk provided an excellent target for shooters but should resist the temptation to throw out again if not immediately underneath the posts as Geva Mentor and Bianca Chatfield are not to be toyed with. Neither were Tegan Philip, who was excellent as Vixens' goal attack - player of the match -  and Karyn Bailey as goal shooter. 

Positives to take from the weekend were:

• Magic's victory over the Thunderbirds in Adelaide.
• Magic's victory despite Casey Kopua's absence with a young team that had self belief
• Magic's recipe of supporting each other and playing as a team.
• Steel's youngish team performing well against highly favoured New South Wales Swifts 
• For the Pulse Souness's debut was creditable, Katrina Grant defended skilfully and at least they got the score to 40.
• The victory of Perth's Fever over more highly rated Queensland Firebirds. It all had to do with belief in each other and great team-work. 

Pulse 52-45 prelims against Melbourne Vixens promising!

The Pulse performance tonight (Saturday) shows much promise for the season ahead with a fit Pulse contingent playing like a real team to secure a pre-season 52-45 win over the Melbourne Vixens.

Shining stars included Te Huinga Reo Selby Rickit as fit as I have ever seen her and at the opposite end of the court goal attack Ameliaranne Wells. Wells didn’t hesitate to take shots from distance with satisfying accuracy, combining well with Jodi Brown. A noticeable change in styles occurred once Irene van Dyk came on in the fourth quarter. The older shooters chose to throw the ball around more in the circle and outside of it. Within the circle though some of the catches by van Dyk were impressive.

Whitney Souness came on in the last quarter as centre and proved herself a player of real quality threading the needle with skill to pass into the circle. Elias Shadrock went from centre to wing defence, having the difficult task of filling Joline Henry’s fast and fiery shoes. Shadrock was a skilful and excellent defender. Liana Leota fed ball with precision and the Pulse’s teamwork and morale are obviously high.

The Vixens' Madi Robinson showed her skills in the centre court along with Kate Moloney. Geva Mentor skilfully intercepted and deflected Pulse passes. The primary issue for the Vixens was supply of ball to the shooters rather than accuracy. Karyn Bailey, Tegan Caldwell and in the fourth quarter, Carla Dziwoki usually found their targets apart from a couple of brief periods where shooters struggled.. Stringent Pulse defence all over the court made things difficult for the shooters.

The ASB sports centre crowd lifted the Pulse performance when things faltered in the third quarter, enabling the Pulse to spin out to their well deserved win.

Joline Henry happy in her game

Ameliaranne Wells is all concentration lining up the shot

Tegan Caldwell lining up her shot

Te Huinga Reo Selby Rickit attempts to deflect Caldwell's shot

Irene van Dyk happy to be shooting from under the post

Kate Moloney about to pass

Whitney Souness leaps high for the pass

Whitney Souness secures her pass

Mystics' amazing leap to form in ANZ Round 13

Northern Mystics' 63-51 victory over West Coast Fever at Trusts Arena in Auckland showed great team-work, inspirational and athletic defence and precision on attack.

Their performance was a shot in the arm for New Zealand netball after Magic's defeat by the Swifts and Pulse's embarrassing heavy loss to the Queensland Firebirds.

Although Mystics were slow to start, down 15-17 at the first quarter, new starting combinations such as Temilisi Fakahokotau and Julie Corletto on defence and Bailey Mes at wing attack teamed with centre Laura Langman and wing defence Anna Harrison, provided fast-moving and often technically astute play.

Cathrin Latu's accuracy was at last reinforced by volume. Latu shot 39 from 43 attempts with captain Maria Tutaia scoring 24 from 35. Latu was irresistibly all brilliant technique and precision enabling herself to receive shots by leaps, precise turns, sure hands and brilliant athleticism. Pulse and Magic could learn a lot from her play and that of the centre court who managed to infiltrate defences of classy players like Shae Bolton at wing defence and Eboni Beckford Chambers in the circle. Bailey Mes was a strongly defensive wing attack picking up ball with dexterity and finding circle edge while Laura Langman provided some beautiful aerial and rapid passages of play both defensively and on attack. Langman's form is decisively back!

Fakahokotau's speed and ability to read the game and  pluck intercepts was stunning, paired with the competent Corletto. No wonder Fakahokotau is attending sessions with the Silver Ferns trialists. With Harrison's help,  Caitlin Bassett and Natalie Medhurst faced formidable defence and Medhurst was removed at three-quarter time.

Captain Maria Tutaia celebrating her hundredth game took shots from anywhere in the goal circle. Magic and Pulse have good reason to rue not having done the same thing this week. Pulse particularly need to turn and shoot.

National selector Wai Taumaunu must have been thrilled with what was put out on court last night which shows such promising combinations and technique from both experienced and younger players bearing fruit at last!

Taking things to the brink - Adelaide Thunderbirds v Pulse

Last night's Pulse v Adelaide Thunderbirds game took things to the very brink, and not just the scoreline 45-44 victory to the Thunderbirds.

The game was fast, physical and thrilling despite brilliant defence from both sides. Pulse newcomer Elias Shadrock coped amazingly well with the speed and physicality of the game. Less fortunate was Irene van Dyk whose opposition in Rebecca Bulley and Kate Shimmin rode, bumped and restricted her and Donna Wilkins. It was not a case of a holding goal shoot but holding defenders keeping shooters at bay. Although penalised sometimes, Shimmin continued to cannon into van Dyk and took her body space. Shimmin's intercepts though were stunning and skilful.

Renee Hallinan, Leigh Waddington and Andrea Gilmore for the Thunderbirds' centre court were deft and fast, and the mighty Carla Borrego a real scoring machine capably assisted by Erin Bell.

The Pulse's Katrina Grant and Te Huinga Selby-Rickit achieved some clever intercepts, especially considering the difficulties of covering a really tall holding shooter like Borrego, and Bell who has the ability to shoot from distance. Wilkins and Jolene Henry fronted up to the aggression meted out and gave as good as they got, and Camilla Lees tentative at first, was a capable wing attack. Surprisingly experienced Pulse players started out with early unforced errors, when they could have consolidated leads. Van Dyk was unlucky that her goal in the last 70 seconds was not counted as the timing seemed marginal, but more precision and certainty on attack is something the Pulse must work on.

The Pulse'e early tactic of having van Dyk out of the circle and Wilkins within, worked well at first in keeping the Thunderbirds guessing (along probably with many of the crowd at Te Rauparaha).

The Pulse has come a long way, but they need to prove their mettle to themselves as much as anyone.

But did this game represent another step towards a holding, blocking game. Is that the way netball's going?

Pulse bring victory down to 20 second 'wire'

Last night's close victory to the Central Haier Pulse against the West Coast Fever came as an exciting relief to very partisan fans in the TSB Arena. Pulse had just lost their ball at the goal circle. Fever were due their centre pass and the score 53-52.  Fever had about 20 seconds in which to score - quite achievable for such a classy team. The whistle went and suddenly 'Hu' - Te Huinga Selby-Rickit - whisked away the ball from the Fever centre pass. The crowd were roaring, and the Pulse very carefully (although nearly not precisely enough) passed the ball around, before a sudden bullet pass to shooter Caitlin Thwaites. By then it was too late for the Pulse shooters, the Fever or anyone else. The very close-fought game was over and the Pulse victors by one shot, and freed from the bogey of "extra time".

The Pulse began erratically. At times they showed commendable skill in careful and dexterous passing; at other times they just squandered the ball. No one player was responsible; it was a joint effort. However, in saying this, it is also important to recognise the achievements of the Fever. They have wonderful centre court ball carriers in people like Shae Bolton, Ashleigh Brazill and Verity Simmons. The first two in the early stages were having issues with the different style of New Zealand umpiring, and a high penalty count mounted. Also Eboni Beckford Chambers and Josie Janz (before she left court)  in defence made scoring difficult, while the effective shooting team of Caitlin Bassett (31/32)and Catherine Cox (18/20) defied strong Pulse defence to keep scoring. Kate Beveridge scored 3/3.

Apparently Robyn Broughton gave her team a pep talk at half time, and the Pulse improved. Goal attack Donna Wilkins had a superb game shooting 25 from 25, and provided a much needed inroad to the circle for shooter Caitlin Thwaites (28/33). When Wilkins couldn't pass, she turned and shot - a perfect shot every time. Wow!  Liana Liota did deft pin-point passing into the circle, while Camilla Lees improved after a ragged start to feed effectively. Circle feeding defenders such as Lees and Bolton for the Fever, have to watch over-zealous defence doesn't result in shooters being advanced to take the shot. Katrina Grant retrieved some excellent ball for her team. However, turnovers didn't always result in conversions, to everyone's frustration. Pulse must improve on this.

The second half was much better for the Pulse. For a time they soared ahead. However, with wily Fever opponents, goal advantage can disappear like lightning. Errors and infringements can cost dearly, even when you're not entirely sure what these are for. In one case I opted to postpone judgment until I got home and saw the Sky feed, but the "infringement" still remained unfathomable to me. However, refereeing such a fast game, with a very partisan, noisy crowd; along with player comments do not make the referees' job an easy one. One end with a male referee seemed to heavily penalise defensive players of both teams; the other female referee also upheld the rights of attackers to a smooth shot, but with less whistle. The referees' experience must have been torrid, as they looked grim afterwards. But they were an important part of a very enjoyable (though nerve-wracking) game.

Pulse victory (63-48) fast, high-scoring game.

Last night's game by Haier Pulse against the Mystics was fast and edgy, showing excellent defensive depth within the circle by both sides. At the beginning, the Mystics' Julie Corletto and Jess Moulds made in-circle feeding into a tortuous and skilful affair. The Pulse had to bend, dodge, feint and whisk the ball through  to secure possession and goal-score. Hamish Bidwell in this morning's DomPost indicated that the Pulse were 'barely tested' by the Mystics. Because of the awesome defence played by both sides in the goal circle, including Katrina Grant and Te Huinga Selby-Rickit for the Pulse, I cannot say I agree with this view.

Bidwell cited Joline Henry as not feeling the pressure of "the whole thing" for the match duration. Perhaps this was because there was ball squandered on the mid-court by both sides. It remained a pressure situation, but perhaps it is pressure that brings on 'brain fades'. All players on court were susceptible to this, with even the most experienced taking optimistic punts that didn't come off. However, the Pulse's Liana Leota played a sparkling game apart from the odd error.

There was a lot of physicality on court and some of it unnecessary. Perhaps it was a measure of the frustration felt by the Mystics, when a couple of young players seemed to focus inordinately on contacts including involvement of the face and head of the opposition. Penalties inevitably followed. They need to concentrate on better co-ordination and dexterity.

Cathrine Latu was introduced to goal shoot in the second half, and for a short time the Mystics improved. That was until Grant and Selby-Rickit got her measure, along with a whole-team defensive effort in the centre court. You could see the Pulse were making the passage of ball down court really difficult for the Mystics. Perhaps it has become second nature for the Pulse to impose stranglehold defence. As an audience member it was a pressure-filled and thrilling game particularly in and around the circle, but also on the occasion when a rock-solid defence effort by the Mystics was overcome through 'bolts' straight through to waiting shooters. Mystics' shooters Bailey Mes in the first half and Latu in the second were also ready to receive such bolts until Pulse defence tightened up. Kayla Cullen and Grace Rasmussen had some talented passages of play. Tutaia's capability to score goals from distance is a real strength, but her team failed to gel.

So Pulse you did well. You can do better yet, but last night was very promising indeed. Taking the lead at every quarter is an excellent way of asserting your determination. Cherish the ball, and defend to the hilt as you did last night! Thanks for the great game.

The unsung heroes who didn't play - Paula Griffin, Amber Bellringer, Victoria Smith, Claire Kersten and Daya Wiiffen - also seemed match-fit if prior-match  practices were anything to go by. Griffin's goaling accuracy pre-match was impressive.

Pulse - and Mystics - starving themselves by reducing goal attempts

The Pulse were defeated soundly in last night's game, scoring 30 goals to the Vixens' 52. Their particular Achilles heel was the very low proportion of attempts at goal (40 to the Vixens' 68), and Pulse shooters' reluctance to have a go. There were a few warning signs from the week before when Caitlin Thwaites who played a great game then, nevertheless dithered on the shot a couple of times. But it wasn't just Thwaites; I think Donna Wilkins managed to get only one goal in the third quarter. Vixens' defenders Bianca Chatfield and Geva Mentor reduced the flow of ball into the very tight circle. In the end it was Thwaites who was benched rather than Wilkins, but by then there were only about nine minutes to go.

Paula Griffin came on at that point, and managed to shoot four from six attempts at 66%. Griffin was unable to take her first shot; a commentator blaming this on a foot over the line, while I thought "Step" was uttered. Either way, Griffin came on impressively in a game already lost, seemingly coping competently with the tight Vixens' marking. According to Hamish Bidwell from Stuff, coach Robyn Broughton is reluctant to use players from her bench unless things get really desperate. If this is the case, it's a bit hard perhaps not just on the bench, but on those players who need time off to regain composure, and for the suffering scoreline.  The ANZ competition also provides players with a chance to improve and show off their developing skills. Victoria Smith and Daya Wiffen have produced some great defensive play recently in their own right. When the attack failed to fire beyond seven shots a quarter, surely replacing either of the shooting duo would have reignited things at half-time. Donna Wilkins seemed to stress out at some umpiring decisions. Griffin is a former Silver Fern who has never been utilised as much as she should be. At her best she is very good. 

Pulse captain Katrina Grant in particular, along with Te Huinga Selby-Rickit had a tremendous defensive game despite stiff opposition from Tegan Caldwell, Karen Howarth (during the first half) and then Sharelle McMahon. If not for Grant and Selby-Rickit, the score would have ballooned. Liana Leota seemed to pick up more penalties than I thought she deserved, and it is the calls that bewilder that really underline morale. Leota is just such a fantastically versatile and athletic player. However, the game's over and the Vixens performed superbly. The umpiring at opposite ends seemed a bit uneven, and New Zealand clocks' three seconds don't seem to tally with Aussie ones. This is something all Kiwi teams need to watch out for.

Another timely warning would be when teams curb their chances at victory by minimising their goal attempts. This is something both Mystics and Pulse did yesterday. The Mystics' Cathrine Latu is accurate but is simply not putting up enough shots at goal. Last night's game between the Mystics and Canterbury Tactix won by the latter at 61-57 saw Latu going to a lot of effort to shoot from close in. It's a good thing it wasn't a trans-Tasman match, or the penalty count would probably have climbed even higher. At the other end, one can only say "WOW" to the impressive shooting duo of Joanne Harten and Sophia Fenwick. Anna Thompson and Jade Clarke in the centre court and Jane Watson on defence also performed slickly. The difference between the Tactix and the Mystics was that the Tactix worked fluidly as a team. While there are outstanding players in the Mystics, they didn't always seem to follow through on the calm advice given by their coach. However, it was good to see Kayla Cullen resuming a more overt defensive role. Elisapeta Toeava and Jess Moulds also played well, and Bailey Mes came on to shoot convincingly in the last part of the game.

Pulse score one-goal victory over Magic

Tonight's closely fought 53-52 battle between Wellington's Haier Pulse and Kia Magic in the ANZ netball competition showed the Pulse have the precision and ball skills to play very fine netball when it counts.

Like the earlier fixture between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Queensland Firebirds in Queensland, Australia, just one goal separated the teams at the final whistle. At times during the first half it seemed as though the Pulse effort was flagging. But with plenty of determination - not to mention a noisy crowd willing them on - they managed to be within a goal of the Magic at half time.

The Pulse's Camilla Lees played a blinder at centre, confident in getting and passing ball for her side. Liana Leota is always a vital connection for the Pulse, reigniting and reapproaching when the ball gets bogged down. She runs twice as far as many players around her, and has a remarkable jump and gift at strategic ball placement. At goal, Caitlin Thwaites was also impressive, although on a couple of occasions she hesitated to take the shot. With capable Magic defenders like Leana de Bruin and Casey Kopua ready to pounce (and sometimes push),  this was perhaps understandable. However, Thwaites and Donna Wilkins provide formidable shooting quality in the circle, against a very physical opposition. Well done! Katrina Grant at the other end, and Te Huinga Selby-Rickit were the end defensive effort of a concerted team defence. As Joline Henry was absent the role of wing defence was taken capably by Victoria Smith in the first half, and Daya Wiffen in the second.  Their work helped to cement a very creditable team effort by the Pulse. While the match was not error-free, it was a considerable improvement on the previous week's. It was a deserved win for the Pulse, and the loyal Pulse fans around me loved it!

For the Magic, Ellen Halpenny improves every week, and is unafraid to take shots at goal from far out. When it was too difficult to get the ball into Irene van Dyk this occurred frequently. Halpenny is a blooming talent in the Magic side. Both sides played great netball up and down the court, but the best team won on the day. Go the Pulse!

Unfathomable umpiring call a concern in ANZ competition

If ever there was justification for a fresh look at umpiring, last night's call against the Pulse's Katrina Grant was that justification.

True, the Pulse had plenty of opportunities to win the game earlier, and made too many unforced errors all through court. But shooters Caitlin Thwaites and Donna Wilkins scored well, with adept feeding by Liana Leota. Te Huinga Selby-Rickit and Grant defended with flair. Unless the TV feed lied in the last seconds of the 4th quarter, Katrina Grant took a clean intercept. Cathrine Latu then (it seemed unnecessarily) bumped into Grant, and next the umpire(s?) penalised Grant for pushing Latu in the back. I have watched the game tape over and over. If anyone should have been penalised , it seems Latu should have been.  But by then the game would've been over; a narrow squeak victory to the Pulse. Instead the game went into extra time.

The Mystics went on to win 69-68. At least the game was positive for them. Gifted defender Kayla Cullen, has usually been given the centre role when she's a natural defence player. The last part of last night's game saw her relocated to wing defence, with Elisapeta Toeava at wing attack and Grace Rasmussen at centre. Maria Tutaia's facility to shoot from distance was also handy, while defence work by Julie Corletto throughout the game, and Jess Moulds in the latter part cemented a good Mystics effort. This combination performed substantially better than we've seen so far this season. Perhaps we might even get to see Bailey Mes sometime.

I think there'd be a bad taste in the mouth though for those who saw the televised link, or were close enough to see what occurred. Perhaps netball should do what high-level hockey has done and institute a system whereby cameras are reviewed for contentious decisions. It was obvious that Grant was trying to put her case briefly to the umpire. Umpiring is a difficult job, but the netballers and their fans deserve an explanation of some kind, especially since players themselves are not allowed to comment. There has to be some kind of appeal system in a situation like this.

Pulse snatch victory from formidable Steel

Last night's match between Pulse and Steel was a close-fought battle resulting in Pulse's victory by three goals (59-56). The Steel played with effective connections and teamwork, feeding the ball efficiently to their shooter Jhaniele Fowler, who at 1.98 metres tall proved an excellent target. The Pulse, however, seemed to lose connections and teamwork displayed in previous matches in their first half.

At the break, and into the second half, the score continued to rise for Steel, who displayed excellent defence and composure. The Pulse insertion of Joline Henry into the game initially failed to impede the rate of Steel goals scored. However, the Pulse did settle after a timely time out, and with Henry's court presence seemed to gain confidence, and find good connections with each other. Henry is very competent, but the Pulse must retain confidence in each and every player on court. They were playing as individuals, and failing to treasure ball and opportunities provided by their defence. Throwing 'bombs' and hoping is not sound technique. There didn't seem to be the same team belief in each other that the last games have reflected.  A Pulse supporter sitting alongside me who desperately wanted a Pulse  win, reached a stage where she didn't want to look. As the seconds ticked down in the last two minutes, she gained the courage to look and enjoy.

Two players gave great hope though: Te Huinga Selby-Ricket on defence at one end of court and the catching and shooting of Caitlin Thwaites at the other (89%) helped by the indomitable Donna Wilkins (93%).  Selby-Ricket is in great form, with timely interceptions at crucial stages. Camilla Lees also showed vision and precise ball skills. Errors are still too common, but the Pulse additions to score in the last quarter reflected greater team belief and composure.

So things came together in the end for the Pulse. The unfortunate Steel were classy opponents, but their sound preparation and teamwork await recognition on another day. Theirs was an impressive whole-team effort, with close defensive marking especially in the first half. Jodi Brown at goal attack is forging an excellent combination with Fowler (both 90%), while Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick and Rachel Rasmussen defended competently. Centre Phillipa Finch had a great game undeterred by an accidental elbow to the eye.

Pulse triumph over Swifts

The Pulse game last night had it all; determination, deft passing (usually) and an unstoppable determination to score their first victory of the season (Pulse 55; Swifts 49). A fiercely vocal contingent of Pulse supporters egged them on every step of the way.

The supporters celebrated when turnovers occurred, they relished every goal and they roared and rhythmically clapped when a fierce Pulse defence in latter stages impeded passage to the goal as the seconds spun out. A smiling neighbour remarked in the tumult "Poor Swifts".

Wing attack Liana Leota was everywhere,  superbly aerial and feisty. She was a game-maker; a person who re-initiated when things were bogged down; an infusion of unstoppable energy. When a defender stood over her she leaped to pass, as she soared again to successfully retrieve unlikely looking ball. This morning's photo of Leota in full flight in the Dom Post symbolises her and the game. The Swifts connected effectively until the last quarter, when ball to their shooters became very restricted. The Pulse hung on, defended the space, delayed and made goal scoring extremely difficult for the embattled Swifts. Susan Pratley and Carla Dziwoki  (87% and 88%) are accurate and talented, but ball to them was severely impeded. Swifts centre courters including Kim Green and Mo'onia Gerrard are formidable foes, but the Pulse held and delayed with skill and resilience. It was like a superbly choreographed modern dance of blocks, twists and turns.

The Pulse showed determination and precision, mixed with composure. When composure diminished, errors crept in on both sides, affecting all players however talented. Perhaps this was a measure of the frenetic pace of the game. These little errors though in a closer game could have been match undoers.

Caitlin Thwaites for the Pulse was incredibly impressive scoring 30 from 32. Donna Wilkins fed ball capably to Thwaites, and scored 25 goals from 27 attempts. Goal defender Te Huinga Selby-Rickit competently defended and intercepted, while Victoria Smith was a capable wing defender. Camilla Lees managed some very tricky threading in to the shooters demonstrating patience and flair, despite spirited defence from April Letton and Sonia Mkoloma.

Captain Katrina Grant, who despite knee bandaging continued to battle strongly as goal keep, and coach Robyn Broughton, should be very happy with their team. The Pulse supporters certainly were. Well done! Knew you could do it!

Magic champions pushed out by Fever

The Fever recorded a fast-moving victory against the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic this Sunday afternoon 57-51. Fever goal keep Eboni Beckford Chambers was MVP on the day, but the game was won on the centre court as much as in the goal circles.

Quite different interpretations of contact by Australian referees were given in today's game seemingly in contrast to New Zealand refs' contact calls. This affected player safety. Irene van Dyk suffered more than her share of being pushed into, around and out of Court by Fever defenders. There was no doubt that  Beckford Chambers showed excellent technique in halting goals by her great standing jump, but van Dyk particularly, was not often allowed any room. She had to call time when she was literally unable to breathe. Worse, New Zealand shooters  attempting to hold a position incurred penalty after penalty. It seemed as though contact was permissible if a player kept moving around, jostling and pushing within the three foot range. However, New Zealand shooters attempting to hold a near proximity position to goal were penalised by contact calls despite shooters having ball in hand. Although van Dyk justifiably complained about contact and danger within the circle after the game, it was also a feature of centre court. Fever's mid-Court netballers displayed brilliant passing, but serious injuries may occur if intercept attempts are made so close to fast-moving players. It seemed more like attempts to pluck ball from a player's hand rather than true intercepts.

Undoubtedly the Magic were slow to adjust, but is so much contact - and potentially dangerous play - going to become the norm? It's not like the Fever victors don't have oodles of great technique, athleticism and fast, efficient teamwork. Magic sorely missed Jess Tuki in its centre court, and Leana de Bruin and Jess Waitapu had to leave court because of injuries. Magic's defenders frequently had no answer to the swift passing of Fever's attackers to shooters Caitlin Bassett and Cath Cox. Bassett and Cox performed admirably, able to concentrate on their role, because their centre court players were so adept.

Ellen Halpenny had a great game for the Magic scoring 32 from 42 goals, with van Dyke being held to 17. Halpenny did seem to counter the penalty counts with her beautiful runs to the goal. Well done!

Perhaps it would be timely for refs from both sides of the Tasman to gather together and look at the videos of this game. Perhaps some of the rough stuff is unseen by the refs, but it's getting worse. Last time they consulted, it seemed as though they said the differences weren't too great. But the margin on what is acceptable seems to be widening.

Drawing the line at shooting from the hip

How do you view Laura Geitz's getting aggressively hippy in the Firebirds v Haier Pulse match to the detriment of Donna Wilkins?

As a spectator, I heard the boos, but was seated too far away to know exactly what had occurred. But seeing the televised cover, there was no doubt that Geitz's behaviour deserved a bit more than an ordinary penalty. First a hip shove, and then a seemingly deliberate hip into the back, after which Wilkins fell to the floor in pain. 

While over-reaction isn't desirable, as netball has become a very physical game, there's a big difference between a collision in the air with two players eying the ball, and deliberate cannoning into a person in a very confined space. I recall Temepara George - as she then was - being ordered off court for repeated breaking at the centre pass. Surely Geitz's conduct was far more dangerous.

Refs have a difficult time of it. Perhaps they didn't see what happened in those fleeting moments. But the location of the injury, and the fact it was a second blow from the hip should have resulted in a dangerous play call, and  time out for Geitz. Perhaps lineswomen are required to assist refs in these circumstances.

In a game as closely fought as this, if Geitz had been removed for a couple of goals, it could have made a real difference to the score. If team members were aware that such behaviour could result in removal, then they might be a little less inclined to let fast and loose with such aggression. Technique has to count for something. Geitz is brilliant technically when she's at her best, but this was bizarre.

Nail-biting Haier Pulse v Firebirds on Monday night

It wasn't to be missed for anything! Monday night's clash between the Haier Pulse and Firebirds was riveting to the dying seconds of the match. Pulse lost by two goals 56-58, but they fought right to the end. The atmosphere in Te Rauparaha Arena was electric. The players too were very switched on and aware.

From the start the Pulse were focussed, sharp and precise (except for a few errors). You can't try anything dicey near Laura Geitz; she'll scoop it up every time with aplomb! But as a Wellingtonian I felt very proud of this well drilled and sharp Pulse team. The game was incredibly tight, with thorough marking and the need to thread every successful pass deftly. Millie Lees at her best is skilful on the goal edge. My husband noted that athlete Liana Leota was everywhere. Leota constantly provided re-ignition, re-attack and dynamism (like former Silver Fern's Temepara Bailey's aerial, dynamic play). Goal shoot Caitlin Thwaites, and Donna Wilkins were usually deft recipients, and accurate shooters, despite close marking and the odd shove!

I watched the video later, after attending the Te Rauparaha Arena game with my husband. It gave a slightly different perspective, particularly with Temepara Bailey's measured analysis. She suggested that the Pulse  begin by turning the ball over before it got to Romelda Aiken, and shutting Natalie Medhurst down early. By the end of the first half Bailey noted that the Firebirds' ball to Romelda was much too easy. This didn't go unnoticed by the spectators at the Arena either. The man next to me was treating it as a personal insult. Bailey noted that the Pulse had started well, and she felt they were not taking the same steps to prevent easy  ball entry that we'd seen earlier. The video seemed to confirm this.

It is an issue, and not one just for this game. The West Coast Fever in their match against the Mystics in the weekend had an easy time of bullet passes to another tall goal shooter, Caitlin Bassett. The Fever were incredibly impressive, and gelling beautifully as a team. The Mystics had no answer to stopping or delaying her. Yet in the past she's been removed from play by other teams because she just couldn't get the ball. Even Irene van Dyke in her time has had her output considerably reduced by prior strategising and teamwork.

So perhaps the Pulse should have just kept on with their initial defence response. Joline Henry must have been itching to be on Court as wing defence, though defenders Victoria Smith and Daya Wiffen performed valiantly. Maybe the Pulse's Te Huinga Selby-Rickit, who was outstanding in the first half, and highly athletic captain Katrina Grant should have continued the strategy of marking the space in their attacks on Aiken. It worked well in the first and much of the second quarters. Perhaps the Pulse could have swapped the goal keep and goal defence around. Wing defence Wiffen attempted to shadow Natalie Medhurst as well in the fourth quarter. But by then Medhurst was frequently unstoppable in her speed and delivery to Aiken. The Firebirds' confidence was up, and they carried the day. Kimberley Ravaillion ,Chelsea Pitman and Demelza McCloud were others who stood out for the Firebirds. The Firebirds and Pulse were impressive because they fought as real teams; perhaps that's a reason why the results were so close.

You can do this victory thing Pulse! Try to get into the last quarter at least on an even keel. We always believed in you; just believe in yourselves. This closely fought match was a brilliant one to watch; make sure the next one is brilliant in terms of both watching and winning.

Magic inspirational on way to finals

Last night's Magic Mystics clash was truly inspiring. The pundits had a narrow victory forecast; I thought myself Magic would be ahead by 4 at final whistle, but the overall 9-goal advantage came from supremely fit, adept and highly skilled netballers. They played at extra time like they had just begun. It was beautiful netball; inspired play!

I failed to understand then the totality of circumstances behind the Magic's  tremendous last minute impetus to win. I had been bewailing their opportunities lost. Just as it seemed all over, the Magic's Leana de Bruin deftly intercepted. Julianna Naoupu failed to convert initially, but Irene van Dyk stepped up for the rebound. She scored, and suddenly the game was anyone's.

Brief shows of excitement gave way to an extra time quarter. Suddenly the Magic swooped with energy, precision and skill on the hapless, fatigued Mystics. The Mystics were ready to win; not to drag the game out for another quarter. But the Magic grasped this as a Heaven-sent opportunity. Perhaps in a way it was.

Why did I think the Magic would win? They have certainly been on a roll. This is their 11th victory in a row. But more cogently, the Magic have been moving and passing with accuracy and precision. Van Dyk is scoring at the level required in top-level netball. Naoupu often complements this. Perhaps it's the successful feeding of Laura Langman and Khao Watts on the circle edge, or the tremendous understanding and interplay possible when your team connects really well.

The Mystics started strongly. Earlier this year they seemed to be going right to the top. Their defenders are great; Maria Tutaia's shooting from the perimeter is first class. But the highly accurate Cathrine Latu is not producing - or being allowed to produce - sufficient goals. It could be a feed issue, a movement issue, or a confidence thing, but in the end it is a team issue.  Look at the statistics: 23/23 for Latu where van Dyk got 35/40. True Tutaia produced more with 25/35, but a shooter's total of 23 will not be enough against the Vixens.

Last night I hoped the Magic would win. They are the best New Zealand side. They feed their shooters; Casey Williams and de Bruin defend to the utmost, and in the brilliant Langman, astute Watts and the superb young defender Elias Shadrock, their mid-court is growing in momentum. It is a whole team effort, and their victory last night was a whole team one.

Sincere sympathy to Irene van Dyke on the occasion of the loss of her mother. Irene is an amazing professional, with magnificent heart. I am in awe at the Magic's whole team response to Irene, and Irene's mother. You played an even stronger hand than probably most New Zealanders were aware of. You were truly awesome - all of you! Although I would have preferred for any New Zealand team not to have to go to  extra time, you have showed that your techniques are so skilfully deployed that they can become second nature, defeating fatigue and sorrowful times. Do the same for Sunday afternoon please!

Pulse find tempo and teamwork!

My daughter gave me tickets to the Monday night Round 8 Pulse v Thunderbirds game, and it was  riveting and fantastic. The curtain raiser showed some proficient netball skills with Tu Toa's aerial performance. However, I have never seen the Pulse play with such commitment, deft teamwork and flair.

Centre Jolene Henry led the charge in the centre, along with Camilla Lees (WA) and Katarina Cooper (WD). Henry is an outstanding defender, and the combined efforts of her centre court managed to supply a good flow of  ball into the shooting circle. Depth of defence then transformed into tenacious attack, both from the circle  perimeter, and even chancy 'long bombs'.

The defensive Te Huinga Selby Rickett and Katrina Grant also showed verve and precision timing, picking up some great ball and intercepts. Grant as usual was sparking on all cylinders, cutting Carla Borrego's shooting scores right down. Erin Bell however, managed to maintain good shooting percentages. However ball supply to the shooters from the usually high-scoring Thunderbirds' midcourt was diminished, despite the skilful play of Natalie von Bertouch.

The second quarter saw a few more sparks. As a spectator within a particularly noisy area of the crowd, we were surprised to see Henry penalised for trying to pass, when Renae Hallinan seemed to directly contact her. This fired up our section of the audience anyway into a very partisan group. The noise was so great it was too hard to tell if that feeling was general, but watching Sky later, perhaps it was.

In the goal circle Caitlin Thwaites was a deft, cool and composed shooter with class, who dodged and evaded the excellent defence from Rebecca Bulley and Sharni Layton. Paula Griffin grew as the game developed. Goal attack is not all about shooting, and Griffin was adept at making and shaping play in the circle with energy and confidence. She consolidated on this vigorous and sustained performance with accurate shooting during the final quarter. Her play was a joy to watch. Well done Paula Griffin!

There were a few silly errors from which no-one on the Court was exempt (except perhaps Grant). But the teamwork was there, with intuitive, deft play and excellent timing. In the last quarter Henry reverted to wing defence, but the strong legacy of her centre play persisted. The Pulse went on to win in the tightest of time margins 47-46. The crowd erupted with joy and stood and high fived and hugged!

Being in the crowd that night was something I'll never forget. The atmosphere was building as the crowd willed all the Pulse players to achieve the potential of which they've always been capable. We roared our encouragement, and they responded with skill, energy and precision. Thanks so much to the team and Robyn Broughton for providing an electrifying and marvellous night out.

Postscript: My daughter handed me the ticket for the match above remarking that the Pulse v Magic game was sold out (and we know who won that.). But any team in the competition would be delighted to achieve what the Pulse managed to do on Monday night!