Wasps Netball return to winning ways with 67-35 victory over London Pulse in Vitality Netball Superleague
Tuesday 2 April 2019 18:20, UK
Wasps Netball returned to winning ways with a convincing 67-35 triumph over London Pulse at Ricoh Arena on Sunday.
After consecutive losses by a one-goal margin to Lightning and Thunder, Wasps were eager to set their season back on a victorious path and Mel Mansfield's outfit were on top throughout the match.
The result sees Wasps move back to the top of the Vitality Netball Superleague, perhaps temporarily though, as Manchester Thunder face Strathclyde Sirens on Monday night, live on Sky Sports Mix and Action and streamed on the Sky Sports YouTube channel.
"It was a good win for us, this game was all about getting some belief back in the team," said head coach Mansfield post match.
"I was delighted that they pushed on and won by a big margin. It wasn't the finished article but we've got a lot of rounds to go yet to perfect our play.
"It was really important we didn't have any lapses of concentration, we kept the foot on the pedal throughout and overall I'm really pleased with the performance.
"We know our players really well. It was a great opportunity to give Tamsin Moala some exposure today and she made a great impact.
"Next up for us is Team Bath which is a huge game and we'll be working hard in training to make sure we are ready for the test."
Wasps started the match flowing well in attack and scored with ease through Rachel Dunn on their first possession. However, in the opening-five minutes Pulse kept pace with the home side and went goal-for-goal.
The London side forced the first turnover and stretched out to a two-goal lead, before Wasps came straight back with their own interception and were soon back level.
The defending champions started to assert their control as the quarter panned out and duly stretched out to a 16-10 lead at quarter time.
Moala entered the action for the second-quarter, she found her shooting rhythm and combined well with Dunn.
The duo were fed well by Bongi Msomi and Jade Clarke and as a result Wasps stretched out to a double-figure lead before Pulse held them at 32-21 after 30 minutes.
In the third, Wasps maintained their high intensity and drove on at pace to lead by 19 goals - 48-29 - going into the final 15 minutes.
The final quarter saw London Pulse's Loreen Ngwira being sent off for two minutes following persistent fouling on Dunn.
Elsewhere Bethany Dix entered the court for her Superleague debut and the home side kept the pedal to the metal in order to return to winning ways.
Watch more Superleague netball when Strathclyde Sirens host Manchester Thunder live on Sky Sports Mix and Action on Monday, April 1 from 7.15pm. It will also be streamed live on the Sky Sports YouTube channel. Plus, Sky Sports will be showing every game of the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup in July.
