Tactix Defeated The Go Media Stars 61-53 In Christchurch
In what was very much a game of two halves, the first half was a difficult one for the Stars, with the Tactix flexing their muscles early and showing why they are the competition leaders with 19 and 17 goal quarters.
The Stars struggled to build any momentum on attack in the first two periods and found themselves with a hefty 17 goal deficit at the half - down 36-19.
Showing some great resilience, the Stars made a good fist of producing a competitive and winning third stanza, 14-13.
The combination of the experienced Samon Nathan and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan in the Stars mid-court produced a lively performance on attack. Delivering precision ball at speed into the hands of Bell gave the Stars their best 15 minutes of the game to that point.
At the other end, Johnson and Tokaduadua proved a handy defensive combination in taking the flow out of the Tactix game. Athletic and strong in the air, the pair played a strong hand in providing turnover opportunities while stalling the Tactix progress.
Leading by 16 heading down the home straight, the Tactix were left looking over their shoulder when Marie Hansen, straight out of the Comets team in the National Netball League and making her senior debut in the final quarter, stepped in to provide an exciting finale.
Showing no fear, the slightly-built Hansen calmly slotted five super shots on the trot to liven up the Stars performance, adding respectability against the well-drilled Tactix, who could look back on a strong first half buffer to get them over the line.
The diminutive Crystal Maro, also elevated from the Comets, was a lively contributor from goal attack, including nailing a super shot.
The Stars return home to host their Northern rivals the Mystics on Monday June 30th.
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