Netball: Latu flawless as Mystics prevail

Maria Tutaia takes the ball in front of the Pulse's Victoria Smith. Photo / NZPA

Northern Mystics comfortably disposed of perennial trans-Tasman netball league strugglers the Central Pulse, easing to a 54-44 win in a second round match at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua today.

The Auckland-based Mystics, who thrashed the Southern Steel 51-34 in their first round match last week, were too polished in every facet for the Pulse, who face the prospect of another tough season if today's scrappy showing was anything to go by.

To their home team's credit they fought hard in the second half and actually won the final 30 minutes 27-25, but the Mystics had the match sewn up by halftime and were a tad sloppy after the major break.

They boosted out to an early lead and never looked like being caught; they were ahead 16-10 after the first 15 minutes and 29-17 at halftime in what looked like would become a glorified training run for coach Debbie Fuller's team.

The Pulse struggled to keep possession in the first half and their shooting was poor -- they landed 44 from 60 attempts for a below-par 73 per cent. Goal shoot Caitlin Thwaites, an off-season buy from the Melbourne Vixens, was rusty early but she came into her own into the second half as the Pulse held the Mystics to 14-14 in the third quarter and won the final stanza 13-11.

In contrast, playoff aspirants the Mystics were deadly underneath the goal.

Goal shoot Cathrine Latu had a flawless shooting display in nailing all of her 36 attempts, while Silver Fern Maria Tutaia potted 18 from 23.

The Mystics return home for a big round three matchup against the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic on Thursday, while the Pulse must regroup quickly ahead of their next match, against the Steel at Porirua on Saturday.

- NZPA