New Zealand made full use of the power play as they defeated South Africa by 29 points to win their second game of the Fast5 World Series.
South Africa were unable to keep up with New Zealand, who ran away 49-20 victors. New Zealand controlled the match early, but were unable to capitalise
on their opportunities, shooting at just 38% to go into the first break tied with South Africa at 5-5.
Maia Wilson and Maria Tutaia found their form in the second quarter, both shooting three goals from four attempts and propelling New Zealand to an eight point lead at half time.
Wilson and Tutaia were again influential in the third quarter along with Te Paea Selby-Rickit, as New Zealand used their power play to stretch their lead to 32 points.
Maia Wilson was full of praise about her side’s ability to use the power play to their advantage. “Maria was hot like she always is with those long bombs, so in those power plays that’s our chance to give her the ball and she rewards us as a team… it was a pretty good power play quarter, ” said Wilson.
South Africa were unable to claw their way back into the match late, but sharp shooting from Charmaine Baard and Ine-Mari Venter got the crowd excited.
The class of New Zealand shone through as they showed the rest of the competition just how much of a threat they are in Fast5. New Zealand will face Australia next in the final game of the night while South Africa will come up against England.
