2 Apr 2017

Northern Stars enjoy first ANZ Premiership win

5:28 pm on 2 April 2017

The Northern Stars netball side have recorded their first win of the ANZ Premiership beating the Mainland Tactix 48-37 in Christchurch.

With both teams coming off heavy first-round losses, the Stars shook off a determined first half effort from the Tactix to lead by two, at 21-19.

Both teams used the new substitution rule liberally, with new combinations throughout however it led to a messy second stanza as the lead changed hands several times.

But a strong third quarter in which they outscored the Tactix 15-8, gave the Stars a 36-27 lead going into the final quarter.

Erikana Pedersen of the Tactix and Courtney Tairi of the Northern Stars battle for the ball.

Erikana Pedersen of the Tactix and Courtney Tairi of the Northern Stars battle for the ball. Photo: Photosport

Both ends of the court produced strong defensive outings, getting the ball into the hands of their shooters proving a difficult mission.

There were too many soft turnovers, the Tactix in particular, missing numerous opportunities to forge a lead.

The combined defensive efforts of Sulu Fitzpatrick, Leana de Bruin and Kayla Cullen paid off handsomely for the Stars in the key third quarter as the trio shut down the Tactix attacking line, picking off a number of intercepts and deflections.