The Central Pulse have moved into second on the ANZ Premiership netball ladder following their 48-37 win over the Mainland Tactix in Wellington this afternoon.
Central Pulse captain Katrina Grant. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It is the Pulse's second win of the season, while the Tactix are yet to record a win in the competition.
Coming off their loss to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic last Wednesday, the Pulse rebounded quickly against the Tactix thanks to some sharp defence from Silver Ferns combination Katrina Grant and Phoenix Karaka.
The pair continuously disrupted the Tactix attack while the Pulse's shooters, Cathrine Tuivaiti and Te Amo Amaru-Tibble both shot at 89 percent.
Grant, who is also the Ferns captain, said her partnership with Karaka had come along way since last year.
"We didn't connect as well as we wanted to and we both did get frustrated in the fact that we knew what individually we could do, but together we weren't quite connecting.
"This year something seems to have clicked, the penny's dropped a wee bit and we're talking to each other more, we're keeping our feet moving."
Grant praised Karaka's work ethic.
"This year her attitude has stepped up that little bit more, she's a very professional young lady who wants to do well and she's an absolutely amazing athlete, and when she unleashes her potential, heck she's going to be a darn good player."
The pair have also been well supported by wing defence Claire Kersten, who is having a strong start to the season.
Grant said she had not really missed the Australian games so far.
"I don't think so, I think that game was probably the closest to an Australian game, with the Tactix playing a more one on one defensive game, compared to any other New Zealand team we've come up against so far.
"It's good having New Zealand rivalries, week-in week-out, we really enjoy it, we know each and every player, which makes it that much more of a tussle and a little bit more competitive."
Grant said she was devastated she wouldn't have any more opportunities to play alongside Ferns legend Casey Kopua, who recently retired from international netball.
"I am sad, knowing that I'm never going to play with her again. I kind of didn't really probably treasure and understand how important that last game [October 2015] I did play with her was.
"I thought maybe should might have another crack but obviously family is coming first for her which is understandable.
"I am devastated but she's given so much to the sport we have to thank her a lot for that."
