The Canterbury Tactix continued their giant killing run beating the Sydney Swifts, while the Northern Mystics dropped to their second straight loss against the high flying Magic, who now lead the competition alongside Tactix and the Melbourne Vixens.
In other results from Round 2 of the ANZ Transtasman Netball Championship, the Southern Steel, in front of a passionate Southland home crowd, was forced into extra time against a determined and at times better looking Suzuki Pulse outfit.
Led by the efforts of athletic Jamaican defender Sonia Mkoloma and veteran Samoan midcourter Frances Solia, the Pulse continued to charge and apply pressure to stay in touch with the more fancied opponents. Pulse managed to hit the front for the first time in the third quarter and with two minutes remaining in the match, Pulse had the win in the palm of their hands holding a three goal lead.
To Steels credit, they responded to tie up the match at 40 all at the end of full time.
The Steel shooting combination of Megan Dehn and Daneka Wipiiti stood firm in extra time with their experience ensuring a victory, even if it was only by a slender two goals, 52-50.
The Pulse had their chances to take match and will no doubt be ruing their missed opportunities, but will walk away from this match knowing what talent lies within their group.
Keep your eye on 17 year old Pulse shooter Amber Bellringer, this fearless and talented youngster is a genuine star in the making.
In the second match, it was a desperate clash between the West Coast Fever and the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
Redemption was the key for both sides after first round losses and the game was played exactly in that fashion with intensity and physicality on show.
Fever jumped the gun in the first quarter and appeared in fine shape leading 12-10 after the first term.
However they failed to maintain their presence for the remaining three quarters.
Trailing by two at the first break, the Thunderbirds got into gear. They lifted their work rate dramatically in the second quarter to post 16 goals, taking a healthy lead going into the second half.
Goal Attack Natalie Medhurst began to halt and menace the Fever defence notching up nine straight in the third term helping her side to a 39-32 lead going into the final term.
Australian international and Tongan enforcer Mo’onia Gerrard was back to her best intimidating best partnering up with English goal keeper Geva Mentor in the defensive circle.
Fevers home crowd and a 97 per cent shooting game from the towering Caitlin Bassett was not enough to deny the Thunderbirds their first win of the ANZ Championship.
Medhurst finished the match with 29 goals from 30 attempts, a superb showing from the Australian shooter.
After week two, Steel and Thunderbirds now find their names on the winners list while the Pulse and the Fever are still on the hunt for that initial victory.
Results – Round 2
Steel (52) def. Pulse (50)
Thunderbirds (54) def. Fever (41)
Magic (56) def. Mystics (52)
Vixens (62) def. Firebirds (52)
Tactix (50) def. Swifts (44)
Upcoming round Round 3 - 19/04/2008
Swifts v Magic, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle 19/04/2008 2:30PM
Mystics v Fever, The Trusts Stadium, Auckland, 19/04/2008 2:30PM
Vixens v Thunderbirds, Vodafone Arena, Melbourne, 20/04/2008 1:30PM
Firebirds v Pulse, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane 21/04/2008 7:00PM
Tactix v Steel, Westpac Arena, Christchurch, 21/04/2008 7:00PM
• All times local
Ladder
| TEAMS | W | L | PLD | PTS |
| Vixens | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Tactix | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Magic | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Thunderbirds | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Swifts | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Firebirds | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Steel | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Mystics | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fever | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Pulse | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
