Back-to-back winning performances ensure the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix remain at the top of the table for another week after a solid 61-50 win against the Central Pulse on Sunday.
The side played as a cohesive unit, drawing strength across the court against a side that appeared to crumble under the pressure of the Tactix home advantage with the red and blacks posting their highest margin win against the Pulse in the last three years, winning by eleven points.
The ability to build on a lead was initially difficult for the Tactix, with the Pulse setting a fast pace in the first 15 minutes, before the home side took control of the game, extending their lead throughout the following three quarters.
The visitors started strong, with three turnovers before the first goal, with the visitors getting first points on the board before securing an early three point lead.
A vocal 3000-strong crowd buoyed the home side through an intense second half, breaking the Pulse’s dominant start despite many heavy plays seeing players hit the court.
The shooting starting-line up differed from previous weeks, with Martina Salmon starting with Ellie Bird on the bench.
Head coach Donna Wilkins strategically started Salmon, with the shooter having performed against the Pulse in preseason matches.
“Martina brought strength to the court and played well, she knows the Pulse and proved herself in preseason,” Wilkins said.
The shooting pair of Salmon and Te Paea Selby-Rickit had strong support from Holly Mather, Paris Lokotui and captain Erikana Pedersen in the midcourt - as the lead extended in the second quarter, the trio added long range passes, feeding the ball into the Tactix circle.
Standout defensive performances from Jane Watson, Karin Burger and Paris Lokotui throughout the game demonstrated their preparation for what proved to be a physically demanding game, securing six intercepts.
The defenders had to prepare for Amelia Walmsley, the Pulse goalshoot has stamped her mark as one of the top shooters in the Premiership, upholding an impressive 96% goal rate, making Watson and Burger work for the rebounds.
The Tactix proved their ability to adjust their play to match the Pulse intensity on the court, with the team’s cohesive play seeing the Pulse have 43 contact penalties to the Tactix 29.
“We knew it was going to be a physical game, there didn’t need to be so many bodies hitting the court, but it’s just how the games go,” Wilkins said.
The Tactix return to Wolfbrook Arena in Round 7 when they meet the last place Stars on Sunday 22 June.
