The Mainland Tactix caused the upset of the season beating the highly-rated Central Pulse 55-53 in Napier on Sunday.
Gaining the initiative at halftime, the talent-laden Pulse threatened to steam away in the second half but Tactix rebounded from their recent 36-goal loss with a tenacious and never-say-die outing to reduce the home team to their second loss of the season.
With her star shooting partner Mwai Kumwenda heavily marked in an exciting goal-for-goal exchange in a thrilling and physical final quarter, captain Anna Thompson recovered from a wobbly second quarter to nail her shots in driving the visitors to a welcome first win of the season.
Opting for the same personnel, Pulse chose to start Silver Fern Joline Henry at centre with Elias Shadrock slotting in at wing defence. For the Tactix, Thompson made her first start at goal attack for the season while livewire midcourter Keisha Grant got the nod at wing attack.
Looking to atone for last week’s heavy loss, the intent from the Tactix was obvious from the outset.
In a fast, furious and high quality start by both teams, Tactix impressed with their free-flowing movement on attack, Thompson showing her vision with a quality supply of ball to strike weapon Kumwenda under the hoop.
