An outstanding shooting effort from the Northern Marvels gave them their first win of their Synergy Hair Netball League campaign, beating a young Southern Blast side by over 30 goals.
The Marvels started strongly and dominated the third quarter to earn them maximum points at The Trusts Arena in Auckland, winning the match 83-52.
Having lost their season opener last week, it was important for the Marvels to bounce back, and they will be pleased how they got all of their squad on court and never missed a beat, winning all quarters.
They took control from the opening whistles showing their superiority in swiftly moving the ball through court and finding their main target, shooter Sophia Lafaiali’I with ease.
With a game already under their belt this season, the Marvels were strong in all areas and netted nine unanswered goals – nearly five minutes on the clock before the Blast troubled the scorers.
Once on the board, the Blast gained some confidence for three quick goals to close the gap.
Defensively, the Marvels shut down the middle channel for the Blast and their relentless pressure was telling.
A strong hold from Lafaiali’i proved difficult for the Blast to tame and the shooter was unwavering with her accuracy, netting all 13 of her attempts at goal as the hosts went into the first break with a comfortable 19-13 lead.
South made a stronger start in the second spell and traded goals with the Marvels early on but again it was the ease at which the Marvels could find Lafaiali’i helped the hosts ease ahead of the blast.
Defender Leila Atkins – who picked up a massive 14 gains for her team during the game – was a menace for the hosts grabbing two intercepts and deflections in the quarter and showing her leadership in the circle.
The Marvels also impressed with their quick transition from defence onto attack, showing great length with their ball movement and finishing with ease.
The injection of goal attack Priscilla Rasmussen did nothing to slow the hosts down and they went into halftime with a 37-25 advantage.
The Blast looked to start the third stanza with more confidence as defenders Sovaia Sabutu and Holly McRae slowing down the flow of ball into the Marvels shooting circle.
Both teams took full advantage of their benches with the substitutions coming thick and fast throughout the match.
Ella Mackenzie and Millie Hassell worked tirelessly for the Blast in the middle sending in 38 and 36 feeds into the circle respectively.
But the Marvels defensive pressure through court, no matter which combination was on court, was telling and proved too much for the young Blast side as the hosts dominated the third spell, winning it 25-9 to put the game beyond doubt heading into the fourth quarter.
Four two-point super shots in the dying stages of the game helped the Blast close the gap in the final spell, but they have plenty to work on ahead of their next game at home on 1 June.