Central Pulse close in on Premiership title with win over Mystics
The unbeaten Central Pulse appear to be certain winners of the 2020 ANZ Premiership, after a dominant 44-38 win over the Northern Mystics. A dismal first quarter showing from the Mystics in the top of the table clash on Saturday in Auckland made it impossible for the side to recover from. Down 13-5 after twelve minutes, the Mystics only made one change, bringing Saviour Tui on for Asher Grapes at goal attack, but this didnt seem to help the Mystics on attack. The Pulse have now recorded seven wins from as many matches and appear to have too many weapons for whichever teams will meet them in the finals series, with the Mystics second on the table. READ MORE: * ANZ Premiership: Tactix pip Mystics, Stars edge Magic in pair of Sunday night thrillers * ANZ Premiership: Central Pulse edge Northern Mystics to remain undefeated * ANZ Premiership: Mystics beat Magic in first game back after Covid-19 lockdown * Central Pulse the side to beat as ANZ Premiership netball returns Mystics star shooter Grace Nweke had little support from her respective goal attacks, with Grapes having no attempts in the first quarter and Tui ending on 1/1 after three quarters on court. The 1.93m shooter had a rough first half, being marked by fellow tall timber Kelly Jury, with only fourteen attempts and five turnovers over 24 minutes. Nweke improved her volume in the second half, but the Mystics could not overcome their sloppy start. Down by fourteen goals at half time, the Mystics redeemed themselves in the second half, reducing the deficit to only six goals at fulltime, barely missing out on a bonus point. Pulse wing defence Karin Burger shut down the usually impressive connection between Toeava and Nweke, with Burger having a 23cm height advantage over 1.61m Toeava. Toeava was taken off in favour of Emma Iversen in the second quarter, but Burger still dominated her opposition for the full game, coming away with four gains and three intercepts in her MVP performance. The Pulses shooting stats of 44/59 at 75 per cent were well below their usual standards, with the side averaging 89 per cent from the first five rounds. Despite the Pulse having 19 more attempts, the accuracy of Nweke ensured the margin was a lot smaller. Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio shared the goal attack role for the Pulse with Tiana Metuarau, being rested for part of the game after rolling her ankle. Katrina Rore was a key player for the Pulse, playing a full game at goal defence and shutting down the Mystics goal attacks. The Pulse captain reflected on her role: As a shorter goal defence, my job is to get the goal attacks possession rate down. Mystics coach Helene Wilson defended the lack of volume from her goal attacks, saying that neither Grapes or Tui normally play at goal attack, so their team has had to adapt following the loss of Bailey Mes. Playing a full game back to back against Silver Ferns is a massive ask for any player and they are both doing a good job. We need to keep supporting them because theyre the future of netball in New Zealand and theyre getting out there and giving it a go and we cant ask any more of that.