Netball: Broughton pleased with Pulse performance

Central Pulse coach Robyn Broughton. Photo / Dianne Manson

You couldn't miss the smile on Robyn Broughton's face.

It's been a tough start to the 2015 ANZ Championship for the Central Pulse after they lost three of their first four games but they showed what they're capable of with a 49-38 win over the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in Wellington last night.

Some strong defensive work and a rejuvenated Irene van Dyk helped the Pulse towards a crucial New Zealand conference victory.

"Any win helps," Broughton said as she flashed that smile. "The Pulse defence have been playing well for the whole season and that's where our strength's been."

The Pulse made 11 intercepts last night, goal defence Katrina Grant collected five while goal keep Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit added two, which helped suffocate the Magic.

The visitors struggled to provide enough service to their shooters and they put up only 46 attempts at goal, while the Pulse managed 60.

Pulse wing defence Joline Henry helped Broughton's side in the mid-court where they controlled much of the action.

"That tightens it all up for us as well," Broughton said.

The Pulse made a steady start to last night's game before they took control in the second quarter.

They won that stanza 15-8 and the Magic never recovered as they faced a 10-goal deficit at halftime and the Pulse only built on that lead.

Then there was the 42-year-old van Dyk who shot 24/30 and was reliable under the hoop, which is the strongest part of her game rather than moving to the top of the circle to receive the ball.

"Irene had a really good game playing at the back and not coming out all the time," Broughton said.

"At this stage of her career she doesn't need to change what she's good and that's holding under the post and we can get the ball in to her."

The win provided a healthy dose of belief for the Pulse who have won two from five; the Magic have the same record but own a slightly better goal percentage.

The Mystics lead the New Zealand conference with the Magic in second, while the Pulse are third. The top three from the Kiwi and Australian conferences make the playoffs under the new format this season.

The Pulse have a bye during the Easter round next week, while the Magic will host the Mystics in Rotorua on Sunday.

Central Pulse 49 (Irene van Dyk 24/30, Jodi Brown 25/30) Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic 38 (Jo Harten 25/30, Ellen Halpenny 11/13, Malia Paseka 2/3) 1Q: 12-9, halftime: 27-17, 3Q: 41-26