Ascot Park Steel once again remain winless, after being outgunned 62-38, by Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse in their latest premiership netball clash in Wellington last night (17 April).

However Steel did offer a determined defence, and had moments of exciting play.

The Steel’s attackers were hesitant to feed their shooters, with the Pulse defenders Kelly Jury and Kristiana Manu’a ruling the circle. Yet when they got the ball through to goal shoot Saviour Tui, she was faultless with her attempts.

Steel wing defence Sam Winders and goal keep Kate Burley were dogged – Burley often getting a hand to tip the ball away from the Pulse shooters.

But with the Pulse midcourt growing in confidence with every game, Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness were quick and clinical working the ball into the circle.

Down 14-9 at the end of the first quarter, the Steel returned to the court with a fresh approach.

And although Tui hadn’t missed a shot in that opening spell, she was replaced by Jess Allen, who’s turn-and-shoot style got the Steel to within three.

However the Pulse with their new centurion captain Tiana Metuarau, 22, were having none of it.

Continuing their dominance from Saturday’s upset of league leaders the Mystics, the Pulse made their intentions clear from the get-go, quickly interrupting the Steel’s flow through court and rushing out to a four-goal lead.

Metuarau gave a polished performance in a game that saw the Pulse move up to second equal with the Tactix at the end of round seven. 

And with her young shooting partner Amelia Walmsley in stellar form – scoring 52 of her 58 attempts at 90 percent - the Pulse attack was relentless in a physical encounter.

Official Result and Stats: 

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse: 62

Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel: 38

Shooting Stats - Pulse:

Amelia Walmsley 52/58 (90%)

Tiana Metuarau 10/13 (77%)

Shooting Stats - Steel:

Georgia Heffernan 18/23 (78%)

Jess Allan 9/10 (90%)

Saviour Tui 11/13 (85%)

MVP: Maddy Gordon