An up-tempo third quarter sparked the Robinhood Comets into life and set up a 50-41 win over Netball Mainland in the Synergy Hair Netball League at Pulman Arena in Papakura on Sunday.
But they had to withstand a stubborn final quarter fightback from the visitors before wrapping up the win.
Neither team really dominated in a scrappy opening spell, although Mainland eased ahead 12-11 on the back of a flawless shooting display from Te Ata Hassan and Vika Koloto who shot 12 from 12 in the opening stanza.
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm, and although there were plenty of turnovers, neither side managed to capitalise on the errors.
Mainland's defensive effort, both through court and in the circle, tightened in the second quarter but Mainland still built on their lead to take a 24-21 lead into the main break.
But it was in the third quarter that the Comets sprang into life. Maro shifted back to goal shoot, with Caitlin Dowden coming on at goal attack, and - with their midcourt firing - the duo sunkd 18 of their 22 attempts on goal.
Comet circle defenders Lisa Putt and Khanye-Lii Munro-Nanoa ramped up the pressure, restricting Mainland to just seven shots on goal for the 15-minute spell. They could sink only five, the Comets dominating the quarter 18-5 and lead 39-29 at the three-quarter mark..
With the Comets through-court defence continuing to disrupt Mainland possession, the final spell looked a formality, but the Mainland fought valiantly to take the stanza 12-11 and salvage some pride.