Central Pulse 46
Canterbury Tactix 43
Well, it had to happen some time.
The much maligned Central Pulse finally showed signs of life to post a rare trans-Tasman netball league win tonight.
They beat fellow competition stragglers Canterbury Tactix 46-43 at Palmerston North's Arena Manawatu to register their first win of the season and just their third in three and a bit seasons of the ANZ Championship.
The final whistle was greeted with celebratory hugs and kisses, something of a novelty for Pulse players well used to consoling themselves with frowns and tears.
After a number of near misses this season coach Yvette McCausland-Durie's charges at last repaid the faith of their long suffering supporters thanks to a rousing second quarter performance and an admittedly nervy but determined effort in the closing minutes.
Having trailed 10-11 at the first break, the Pulse responded with character to dominate the second period 18-11 and take a six-goal lead into the main interval.
But they again showed an aversion to the spotlight as they froze for much of the third quarter when the Tactix strung together six unanswered goals to draw level at 33-33 with four minutes remaining in the stanza.
The Pulse finally broke the sequence to nudge ahead again but failed to grasp their chances while the visitors grabbed theirs to leave nothing separating the teams, who were locked at 35-35 entering the last quarter.
The standard of play degenerated as desperation gripped both sides before a decisive moment late in the contest when goal keep and captain Katrina Grant pulled off a crucial intercept for her side, helping to settle frayed nerves and his her teammates a timely boost to their confidence.
Australian goal shoot Caitlin Thwaites was a tower of strength for the Pulse and she ended the match with 30 goals from 34 attempts, her steadying influence importance as less experienced players showed every sign of failing to seal the deal.
Veteran goal attack Donna Wilkins was a steadying influence for the Tactix, ending the match with a return of 24 from 28 as well as offering her colleagues wise counsel as the pressure intensified down the stretch.
Grant could not hide her relief at the result.
"We stuck to our gameplan and played the way we wanted to," she said.
"We wanted it bad. I was sick of going back to the drawing board week in week out.
"It is quite depressing going back to training week in week out on a loss so it is going to be an enjoyable week this time for us."
Central Pulse 46 (Caitlin Thwaites 30/34, Amber Bellringer 16/23) Canterbury Tactix 43 (Donna Wilkins 24/28, Anna Thompson 10/13, Ellen Halpenny 9/14). Halftime: 28-22.
- NZPA
