Latest news with #SouthernSteel
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Game shooting in ‘right direction'
Southern Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn (left) puts up her shot as Central Pulse defender Parris Mason, Steel shooter Georgia Heffernan and Pulse defender Kelly Jackson watch on under the hoop in Invercargill. PHOTO: MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie believes things are heading in the right direction for the sport. She confirmed last week the ANZ Premiership, facing an uncertain future due to a new broadcast deal, would return next year with all six teams involved and was likely to be played during the same time frame as this season. The 2025 season has hit the ground running and Wyllie said broadcast ratings were up 40% and the community game was "thriving". "What we're seeing is Kiwis are loving it," Wyllie told the Otago Daily Times. "It's all pointing in the right direction for netball." The ANZ Premiership has been slashed from three rounds to two this season — which means teams get only 10 games before the playoffs — and there have been innovations including the two-point shot, timeouts and a coaches box. Wyllie said there had been some "heart-stopping moments" through the opening games, and while she conceded two rounds did not make a long season, she was pleased all teams hit the court strongly. Like many traditional netballers, Wyllie admitted she had reservations about introducing the two-point shot, but felt it had its place. "It's going down well. The players are enjoying it," she said. "Sometimes you could have been a minute to go, three goals down and thought the game was done — that is no longer the case. "I think those kind of things have been really interesting talking points and great to be able to see it come to life as we envisaged it when we were planning." The tactical nature of timeouts, and when coaches used their coaches box to deliver messages during the game, intrigued her the most. "What I've loved is the strategic nature of what I'm hearing from the coaches box, when they're using their timeouts and when they're talking with their players. "We've got three new coaches in the mix this year and it's brought a really different dynamic. "I'm really impressed with how they're all being quite strategic. "I think that for me as a netty is really exciting." Aside from their blip against the Central Pulse at the weekend, the Southern Steel have been tracking well this season. They recorded a massive win over the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic and were pipped by one point against the defending champions, the Northern Mystics. Even Wyllie thought the Steel had secured a win over the Mystics — "I was screaming at the TV that there was time" — but she was proud to see how they were bouncing back after a tough couple of years. "I think it's amazing resilience and to see a team that have had a tough few years, injury plagues, with a fresh new coach in there, they've been formidable." The ANZ Premiership reaches the halfway point this weekend. The Mainland Tactix hold top spot with three wins and one loss. The Pulse and the Mystics, who are awaiting results on Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam's wrist injury, round out the top three. The Steel sit fourth with one win and three losses, followed by the Magic — who picked up their first win on Monday — and the Northern Stars. In round five, the Steel are home to the Tactix, the Pulse meet the Mystics and in a repeat of this week's game, the Stars play the Magic.
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Milestone speaks to umpire's dedication
A great night for Kristie Simpson is when nobody notices she is in the room. That was a little hard late last month when the Eastern Southland umpire officiated her 150th national league netball game during the Southern Steel and Northern Mystics clash in Dunedin. It was a fitting moment for Simpson who now holds the national record for umpiring the most national league games. Asked how she felt about the milestone, Simpson joked "like I've been around for a wee while". But she acknowledged it was a special achievement and her longevity spoke to her determination as an umpire at the top of her game for the past 15 years. Simpson, who lives on a farm in Tokanui, grew up umpiring and officiated her first national game in 2010 during the transtasman ANZ Championship era. There had been many highlights through the years, including the league's first "sudden-death" game, which presented new challenges for players and umpires, and shuffling her life through Covid lockdowns, when most of the games were played in Auckland while she was based in Southland and had a family to think about as well. She also umpired the Steel's victory against the Mainland Tactix in Christchurch in 2017, days after Steel players were injured in the van crash. "We spend a lot of time with the players, we see them week-in, week-out," Simpson said. "Whilst we're trying to achieve different things, we've got a great respect for what they do, so that was definitely a game that stands out for a lot of emotions." Simpson, who has also officiated at Netball World Cups and the Commonwealth Games, has grown as an umpire through the years and never stopped developing. "I guess when you've been doing it for this long you get a picture memory bank of things that happen and how they go about happening. "You have a good idea of the players and what they're trying to achieve . . . and how the defence is trying to stop them. "You get a better feeling for that contest, contact and consistency across the court." But there were always things that kept her on her toes, including the addition of the two-point shot to the competition this season. The new rule turned the goal circle backwards — while shooters have traditionally tried to be under the post, they are now aiming to be in the two-point zone. "From our perspective, we've got to look in different places. We've got to have different angles to the court and therefore the defence is trying to do that opposite thing to what they're normally doing. "It has made it interesting, it's made it a new challenge, a new thing to think about and I think that's always good and exciting." Her enjoyment for the game had never wavered and the often thankless task of umpiring had been her way of being involved in the sport. "It's great to be a part of the game and this is the part that I can do well. That's the thing I like the most is being involved in the game. "But the best games are always when they don't notice us. "At the end of the day if you've got a game and you come off and someone's like 'oh did you umpire that game?', it's a big win." Simpson, who is also a coach for the national watch list umpire squad, is part of a unique crew from the Eastern Southland centre, home to five international umpires in Colleen Bond, Alison Cormack, Bobbi Brown, Jono Bredin and Simpson. "The joy of Eastern is we still have those umpires and those people in there helping," Simpson said. "They're such a great support, they've got so much knowledge and that gives you a lot of confidence, especially when it's the young umpires coming through when you're starting. "I feel very lucky and very privileged to have been able to come from there."
RNZ News
5 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Netball: Pulse defence on display in big win in Steel territory
Pulse's Parris Mason (R) and Kelly Jackson (L) with Steel's Georgia Heffernan. Photo: Marty Melville The Pulse have the best defensive record in the ANZ Premiership and that was highlighted big time when they suffocated the Southern Steel 70-45 in Invercargill on Sunday. Playing at home in Invercargill for the first time this season, the Steel have shown promising signs in returning to their form of old but were largely outclassed. In registering their highest winning score since 2018, the Pulse dominated across the court and rocked the Steel early on. The circle defensive pairing of Kelly Jackson and Parris Mason, supported by wing defence Fa'amu Ioane and centre Maddy Gordon, stifled the Steel attacking line early. Goal shoot Aliyah Dunn has been impressive for the Steel, and sits second in the competition for goals scored. But Dunn was restricted to just 24 goals at 70 percent accuracy. A ballooning scoreline prompted a rearranged midcourt for the home side who had plenty of work in front of them when trailing 19-7 at the first break. Things blew out even more for the Steel, and they went into the main break trailing 38-19. Dunn was forced into several Super Shot attempts in an effort to close the gap but was only able to convert two out of 10. Pulse captain Kelly Jackson said they knew how dangerous Dunn could be. "We wanted to keep her ball in hand to a minimum, we know that she can really put away some big numbers so really happy with that," Jackson said. For the Pulse, Amelia Walmsley converted 50 goals from 51 attempts, to crack her second half-century of the season. Tiana Metuarau. Photo: Photosport Gordon and Whitney Souness dominated the midcourt, while play-making goal attack Tiana Metuarau's vision provided on-point long-range ball into the hands of Walmsley. Metuarau shot 15 goals, including five super shots. A third quarter revival from the Steel made things interesting with the home side winning the period 21-14. Two super shots by Georgia Heffernan and one to Dunn galvanised the Steel but Metuarau settled the visitors with a two-pointer on the buzzer. The Pulse headed into the last break with a handy 52-40 lead and then went on a 18-5 fourth quarter blitz. Jackson was pleased with every part of the court. "Everyone went out there and really nailed their own jobs and it makes it easier for everyone across the court when our roles are clear and we're executing them. When we had ball in hand we were in control and we were able to suffocate them defensively. "I think Amelia had a great game she was a great target and Tiana, and the midcourt fed them really well," Jackson said. An on-going injury ruled Steel midcourter Kate Heffernan out for a fourth straight week. The Pulse now sit second on the ladder, just behind the Tactix who have a bonus point. The Magic and Stars meet tonight in the final game of the fourth round.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Steel crumble in bitter loss to Pulse
You cannot fault the fightback from the Southern Steel in the third quarter. But the damage was done early for the Central Pulse to snatch a 70-45 win in front of a sold-out crowd in Invercargill this afternoon. It was a bitterly disappointing result from the Steel – who were thumped 18-5 in the final quarter – who have been a much-improved side this year. But you cannot let the Pulse get on an early run – they led 15-3 in the opening 10 minutes – and cough up 26 turnovers and expect to win. It was a performance not many would have expected from the Steel, after they pushed the defending champions the Northern Mystics in a one-point loss six days earlier. In a shining light, after being down by 20, the Steel fought back to trail by as much as seven in the third quarter and won that spell 21-14. It was a physical encounter across the court for the Robyn Broughton Legacy Trophy, which will remain with the Pulse. The Pulse made a slick start with centre Maddy Gordon dominating the middle channel. But the Steel put each other under necessary pressure, pushing the ball into the pocket, and their timing was out on their centre pass. They coughed up easy turnovers, letting the Pulse jump out to a 9-2 lead. Pulse goal attack Tiana Metuarau – who had a heated battle against Abby Lawson – found Amelia Walmsley under the post to help them to a 15-3 lead. Looking to pull the score back, Khayne'-Lii Munro-Nonoa came on at wing defence, shifting Renee Savai'inaea into centre and Kimiora Poi to wing attack. Lawson picked up a much-needed tip to pull one back and Georgia Heffernan nailed a two-pointer. But Metuarau nailed a two-pointer on the buzzer for the Pulse to lead 19-7. The Pulse pushed the Steel wide down the court, making it hard to get any direct ball and flow. The visitors were polished down the court and made the Steel pay for every mistake. Gordon and Whitney Souness balanced off each other, swinging the ball around the circle edge and firing it in. They led 32-16 when Dunn landed a two-pointer – but they needed more where that came from. Gordon picked the pocket and took off. Her ball speed through the court and ability to find her shooters on the base was second to none. Forced to take the two-pointers, the Steel had several shots that rang in-and-out and Kelly Jackson's lean was impressive. The Pulse held a 38-19 lead at halftime. Almost immediately, the Pulse forced another turnover from the Steel and extended to a 20-point lead. Fa'amu Ioane was the unsung hero for the Pulse. She clogged the middle, brought the ball through the court and did all the little things well. The Steel showed flashes of what they are capable of. When they let the ball do the work, used their speed to hit the edge and put depth on it they looked good. Carys Stythe snaffled an intercept and the Steel took off down the court. They used their triangles to find Dunn, as the intensity in the circle started to lift. Stythe picked up another, Heffernan bombed it long to Dunn – and the Pulse called a time-out leading 46-29. It was like the Steel finally clicked into gear. Heffernan and Dunn nailed two-pointers – as the Pulse defenders started to attract whistle – and suddenly trailed by seven. But Metuarau sunk another two-pointer for the Pulse to lead 52-40. The Pulse went on a 6-1 run to open the final quarter and continued from there.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Positive vibes for Steel: Heffernan
It feels like Georgia Heffernan has a rejuvenated energy this season. The Southern Steel goal attack has carried a heavy workload through a couple of tough seasons for the franchise, but this year things are looking up. The Steel have two losses — the latest by one point against the Northern Mystics in Dunedin on Monday — and one win, but are playing some great netball. That joy is evident from the beaming smile on Heffernan's face, even after a loss. "We're absolutely loving this year," Heffernan said. "We're all really happy, and we're all having a lot of fun in this environment, learning a lot. "We just clicked straight away ... I think it's showing on the court that we're a really happy, connected team." Heffernan was relishing the chance to play alongside Aliyah Dunn — "she can take such a huge load and she's so supportive" — and the depth in their midcourt courtesy of Kimiora Poi. Seeing Poi and Serina Daunakamakama take the reins when Heffernan's sister, Kate, was ruled out with injury had been pleasing. "It was great that they've stepped up when Kate went down," Heffernan said. "Having Kimi's been amazing. She's just come in, and been such a leader, and we absolutely love having her down here." Knowing others could carry the load through the middle helped take some of the pressure off Heffernan. "Last year at times I got into help-out mode, and I was just trying to help everyone and I was sometimes making it worse. "But I think now I can just focus on my role and just try to nail that. "There's been moments where I'm doing that in the first games, but it's just consistency that I want to work towards." Heffernan has always had a silky smooth shot from out wide, but that has been taken to another level with the introduction of the two-point shot. "I'm stoked about how it's bringing the long shot back into the game. It's such a tactical game. "I love it on our team because Summer [Temu], Aliyah and me, we can all take it — so it's not just on me." The Steel had a 55-54 loss to the Mystics in round three, a game that Heffernan was "absolutely gutted" to lose. "We showed that we could've won that ... but we kind of did it to ourselves." But she vowed the Steel would be keyed up for their first Invercargill home game against the Central Pulse tomorrow afternoon. The Mystics had been a good test ahead of the Pulse, and there was plenty the Steel could improve on from Monday's game, she said. "At times we kind of lost trust in each other and that's exactly what the Pulse will try do. "They'll try man-on defence ... and ride us for the whole 60 minutes. "We have to be prepared for that, but know that we have to trust each other and just do our own jobs." The Robyn Broughton Legacy Trophy will be on the line when the Steel meet the Pulse in tomorrow's game. ANZ Premiership Tomorrow, Invercargill, 4pm Southern Steel: Aliyah Dunn, Georgia Heffernan, Summer Temu, Serina Daunakamakama, Kimiora Poi, Renee Savai'inaea, Carys Stythe, Abby Lawson, Khayne-Lii Munro-Nonoa. Central Pulse: Amelia Walmsley, Amorangi Malesala, Tiana Metuarau, Gabi Simpson, Whitney Souness, Maddy Gordon, Ainsleyana Puleiata, Fa'amu Ioane, Parris Mason, Laura Balmer, Kelly Jackson.
