8 Apr 2023

Pulse end losing streak with big win over Stars

9:31 pm on 8 April 2023
Pulse's Maddy Gordon during the Wellington Pulse vs Tactix netball Premiership game at the TSB Arena in Wellington. 24 April 2022

Pulse's Maddy Gordon during the Wellington Pulse vs Tactix netball Premiership game at the TSB Arena in Wellington. 24 April 2022 Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Defending champions the Pulse have snapped a four-game losing streak in the ANZ Premiership with an emphatic win over the Stars in Auckland.

The vistors were hungrier for loose ball throughout the contest - a repeat of last year's grand final.

Their dominance was most obvious in the second quarter, which they won 16-7 as the Stars struggled with their combinations and gave away numerous turnovers.

Up 31-19 at halftime, the Pulse never looked like relinquishing their lead, with Silver Ferns midcourters Whitney Souness and Maddie Gordon delivering a steady supply of possession to their shooters.

Goal attack Tiana Metuarau shot 11 from 11 for the winners but the heavy shooting load fell on Amelia Walmsley, who landed 44 of 52 shots.

Maia Wilson continued her prolific form for the Stars, shooting 32 off 34, but she didn't get the same service as the Pulse attacking circle.

The Stars blew a chance to go the top of the standings with their third loss of the season while the Pulse inch up one spot to fourth courtesy of their third victory.

Guilty of letting game-leads slip in recent weeks, the Pulse held it together to ensure their was no repeat of the seven-goal defeat when they met the Stars in round three, giving cause to celebrate the 100th national league match for defender Kristiana Manu'a.

- RNZ