Jhaniele Fowler-Reid of the Southern Steel racked up 58 goals. Photo / Photosport
The New Zealand teams have predictably cruised through the opening day of the Netball Super Club tournament in Nelson.
The Central Pulse, Northern Mystics and Southern Steel all claimed crushing victories against their overseas opposition, underlining a format which pits dominant Kiwi and Australian sides against vastly overmatched minnows.
The
closest game in a day of trouncings was the Pulse's 24 point thumping over the Celtic Flames. The Welsh side have brought in two Kiwi players from the Mainland Tactix to increase their competitiveness, but they were quickly in a 39-19 halftime hole, before the Pulse turned to their bench to lead them to an eventual 65-41 victory.
To the Flames' credit, they stayed in touch in the second half, something no other team could claim. The Mystics put on the biggest beatdown, crushing young Fijian side Marama Vou 92-43. Silver Ferns goal shoot Bailey Mes wasn't required, while Maria Tutaia and Anna Harrison played a half apiece. That gave the spotlight to reserve shooter Tera-Maria Amani, who hit 62 of 67 shots.
The Mystics may be the most worthy challenger to the Steel, who backed up their unbeaten ANZ Premiership season by dominating the Gauteng Jaguars 81-37.
