Goal shooter Howarth shot coolly and analytically, contributing 40 goals to the Vixens’ impressive total. But it was an improved performance, too, by the unfancied Tactix, who kept in step in the first and last quarters.
Yet to notch up a victory, the Tactix kept the pressure on the Vixens for the first 15 minutes, matching the more experienced outfit goal for goal.
Tactix goal shoot Jo Harten was unfazed by the close attention of her English counterpart, Vixens’ goal keep Geva Mentor, and with rookie goal attack Sophia Fenwick quickly getting her eye in, the pair managed to shoot the Canterbury side to a two-goal advantage halfway through the opening spell.
At the other end, Howarth was taking on the bulk of the shooting responsibilities with aplomb for the Vixens, despite the sterling efforts of Tactix defenders Jade Clark, Bessie Manu and Zoe Walker in restricting the home team’s opportunities.
The Vixens took a 13-12 lead into the first quarter break, but started to make their move as soon they returned to the court, playing with a new impetus.
