Netball: Central Pulse stay perfect in ANZ Premiership by thrashing Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic

The Central Pulse were too good for the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic. Photo / Photosport

Two games in less than 24 hours is a tough ask of any team - more so, two wins.

But the Central Pulse looked as polished as ever at the Auckland Netball Centre, backing up yesterday's win over the Southern Steel with a 51-30 victory over the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in the ANZ Premiership.

A sluggish first quarter from the Pulse was perhaps the only indication that their fitness had been put to the test this weekend.

The Magic made good work of their defensive end, confusing space around the Pulse shooting circle to trade goals early on.

Magic captain Samantha Winders and goal keep Erena Mikaere sought to get as much turnover ball as possible, well aware opportunities to pull ahead would be few and far between against the defending champions.

But as the second quarter rolled on, the Pulse opened up the scoreboard dramatically to lead at halftime by a staggering 13 goals.

Lacking signs of a resurgence following the break, Magic coach Amigene Metcalfe called Silver Ferns Whitney Souness and Mikaere to the bench.

Meanwhile, the Pulse introduced youngsters Tiana Metuarau and Elle Temu as the side continued to capitalise on the Magic's struggling form.

Pulse captain Katrina Rore was impressed by her side's performance.

"Very happy with that, we knew we had to step up," she said. "Our energy wasn't there yesterday and today we came out like a new team.

"We all did our own jobs and set ourselves up for the win."

The Pulse sit comfortably at the top of the Premiership ladder with five wins from as many games, while the Magic remain on the hunt for a win since the competition's restart.

The Magic's next shot will be against the Northern Stars tomorrow night.