Goal attack Tiana Metuarau turned in a player of the match performance during an impressive win for the Pulse. Photo: PhotoWellington
Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse put their opening loss of the weekend behind them to seal a stunning 57-41 win over Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Porirua on Sunday.
The mother and daughter duo of Waimarama Taumaunu and Tiana Metuarau called on their considerable court smarts to plot the course of the Pulse’s sublime victory with a huge first quarter effort.
Stand-in coach Taumaunu was making her second appearance with the coach’s clipboard, sitting in for Yvette McCausland-Durie who had tested positive to Covid earlier this week.
``I’m really pleased. From our (Netball Central) perspective, we got two wins out of three this weekend. It was a good day today for our Manawa team (win) in the national league and for the Pulse, both with good scores,’’ Taumaunu said.
``I was delighted we were able to hold it at the end because we lost the third quarter, we were resting people and it took time for things to settle, and it was also that quarter that we didn’t do very well in yesterday.
``That’s a little concerning, we’ll have to go back and take a look at that but we had a great finish and it was great to get everybody on the court.’’
Recent Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio made her season debut wearing Magic colours, returning to the court following the birth of her second child.
Ekenasio started the game at goal shoot, playing 15 minutes against her former team-mates, with support from another new Magic recruit, Bailey Mes, at goal attack.
Of note for the home side, was the mesmerising attacking chemistry on display between Pulse goal shoot Aliyah Dunn and Tiana Metuarau. With a year in the deep south under her belt, and some international netball in the Silver Ferns dress, the dynamic Metuarau has become an even more assured athlete.
The Pulse delivered a decisive start to the game with a nine-goal scoring rampage in the first quarter. The long ball to Dunn was used effectively, despite the pressure of Magic goal keeper Erena Mikaere and goal defence Oceane Maihi.
Pulse wing attack Whitney Souness was feeding the ball on a platter to Dunn and Metuararu with excellent back-up from centre Erikana Pedersen.
The Pulse defensive unit matched their attackers by passing the ball with impressive skills. Wing defence Paris Lokotui was dominant in her attacking play and used her elevation to secure crucial tips and interceptions. While Kristiana Manu’a proved a rugged defender for the Magic to contend with.
Magic started the second half with assurance and patience. Young goal shoot Ivana Rowland combined strongly with Mes at goal attack. Rowland’s footwork and precise shooting earmarked her as a player of some potential.
In defence, Georgia Tong, had the task of marking Metuarau in the second half. Tong did a superb job intercepting some cross-court balls to gain vital possession for her team-mates.
Another player who came up against her former team-mates was Magic midcourter Claire Kersten. The midcourt workhorse combined with Sam Winders who started the game at centre. The experienced international team-mates traded bibs in the first quarter with Kersten spearheading Magic’s mini-revival from centre as the game progressed.
The Magic will take heart from their fighting performance after a slow start. Solid shooting from Mes and Rowland kept the pressure on, forcing the home side to work harder to keep their lead intact. The tense third quarter kept the Pulse on their toes but it will Pulse coach McCausland-Durie who will find her players in good spirits after some enthralling netball this weekend.
Shooting stats
Pulse:
Aliyah Dunn 41/45 (91%)
Tiana Metuarau 14/16 (88%)
Renee Matoe 2/2 (100%)
Magic:
Bailey Mes 19/23 (83%)
Ivana Rowland 15/18 (83%)
Ameliaranne Ekenasio 5/6 (83%)
Martina Reekers 2/2 (100%)
MVP: Tiana Metuarau (Pulse)