The Central Pulse have gone top of the ANZ Premiership Netball standings with a 53-44 win over the Northern Stars in Manukau.
The Pulse were able to pressure the newcomers with a full-court defence and picked up a number of intercepts to record their third win from four games.
The Pulse created plenty of turnover opportunities against the Northern Stars. Photo: Photosport
The unbeaten Southern Steel can reclaim top spot when they play the Canterbury Tactics tomorrow night.
But timely intercepts by Grant and wing defence Claire Kersten gave the Pulse a small buffer which they held at the end of the first break, 14-12.
Despite a scrappy second quarter from both teams the Puluse extended their lead to seven goals by halftime, up 30-23.
The Pulse's full-court defence helped create plenty of turnovers and going into the final quarter they led 42-33 and the nine goal difference remained with the Pulse eventually running out 53-44 winners.
The result means they overtake the Magic at the top of the table on goal difference but the unbeaten Steel, who have three wins from three, are poised to pass them.
