Midcourter Maddy Gordon was a tower of strength in a re-jigged Pule line-up. Photo: PhototWellington
Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse have increased their chances of making the ANZ Premiership Series Finals following a 65-44 win over the Go Media Stars in Wellington on Saturday.
But a concerning injury to goal defence Parris Mason put a dampner on the celebrations. The rangy defender landed heavily during the second quarter, and in a jumble of limbs Stars goal attack Crystal Maro landed on Mason’s neck. Mason was carried off the court in a wheelchair, and taken to hospital in a neck brace for further medical attention.
It was a physical battle across the 60 minutes, neither team wanting to give up possession, the Stars being particularly heavily penalised and finishing with 70 penalties, and 18 turnovers.
With only one win this season, the Stars were ruled out of the finals regardless, but still could play spoiler for the other teams. The Pulse were clear favourites for this match, beating the Stars 69-45 the last time they met, but were without a handful of key players.
Whitney Souness was ruled out with a concussion suffered in a previous game, fellow midcourter Fa'amu Ioane was out with illness and shooter Tiana Metuarau was suffering a muscle strain.
Kiana Pelasio and Amorangi Malesala shared the goal attack bib in the first half, both shooters having just played for Central Manawa in the Synergy Hair Netball League Grand Final.
The Pulse came out with a strong start, a tidy first quarter giving them a 17-11 lead, thanks to a super shot from Malesala on the buzzer.
Fighting back in the second quarter, a strong eight-goal run from the Stars drew the two teams even as the Pulse were forced to adjust their game plan without Mason.
The Stars have been struck by injuries and bereavements all season, but showed they still had fight in them, even winning the second quarter by four points. Unfortunately, the connections between goal shoot Maia Wilson and newly-promoted goal attack Maro were lacking at times and there was missed opportunities in their attacking end as a result.
The battle between centres Mila Reuelu-Buchanan and Gabi Simpson was fierce throughout, neither player shying away from a contact. Ainsleyana Puleiata played a full 60 minutes in a tidy performance in yellow.
The sold-out TSB Arena roared the home side on in the third quarter, as Amelia Walmsley stood strong under the hoop. Pulse shooter Khiarna Williams continued her return from a shoulder injury, pushing Walmsley out to goal attack. With 94 percent accuracy, Walmsley also managed to pick up some ball on defence in her time at goal attack.
Until the final quarter, the Stars were in the match, experienced captain Maia Wilson shooting at 92 percent and leading her side. But the Pulse pushed through all their changes to dominate the final quarter 22-7, with only one turnover to the Stars’ five in the last 15 minutes.