Netball: Southern Steel come back to topple Northern Stars in ANZ Premiership

Lenize Potgieter made the difference for the Southern Steel. Photo / Photosport

The halftime introduction of South African international Lenize Potgieter has helped swing an important victory for the Southern Steel.

The visitors came back from four goals down at halftime to score a 60-58 triumph over the Northern Stars on Sunday, to strengthen their hold on second spot on the ANZ Premiership ladder.

Inexperienced shooter Jennifer O'Connell was surprisingly awarded the starting spot for the Steel ahead of Potgieter. The 21-year-old, who had not received much court time this season, clearly struggled with the intensity, shooting at a mere 71 per cent clip before being substituted at halftime.

The Steel quickly fought back in the second half, evening the scores midway through the third quarter thanks to the strategic substitution.

Potgieter's impact was obvious, with the Steel attacking end instantly becoming more assured. Potgieter provided a solid target in the circle, coming out to help her attackers, and ended the game with a 92 per cent success rate, while her presence also helped goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit find her form.

Steel captain Te Huinga Selby-Rickit described the game as nerve-wracking but said she was "stoked that we got it in the end".

"That's what we want to be able to do, to win those really tight games."

The Stars were without veteran players Temepara Bailey and Ellen Halpenny, who were given pre-approved leave, resulting in the hosts fielding an inexperienced attacking end. That often left them attempting risky and ambitious feeds which did not always pay off.

However, they still built a handy buffer after a scrappy first half in which all shooters were having trouble finding the ring. The Stars, with young goal attack Charlee Hodges assigned the long-range duties and Maia Wilson operating from close range, shot 78.9 per cent in the first two quarters with the Steel struggling at 70.3 per cent until Potgieter's arrival changed the match and gave the Steel the ascendancy.

The Stars had a chance to even up the game in the last stages of the final quarter, getting within one goal with two minutes left, but the Steel managed to keep their cool and finish strongly.

It was the third straight loss for Stars, but they did receive a bonus point which widens the divide between the top and bottom teams on the 2019 ladder.

The Steel remain second on the ladder with 20 points, while the unbeaten Central Pulse hold top spot with 24. The Stars have 16 points, which is still a decent gap ahead of the fourth-placed Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic on nine.