Adelaide Thunderbirds (62) defeat Mojo Pulse (51)

Official Result: Adelaide Thunderbirds (62) def Mojo Pulse (51)

Out of Conference Finals contention, the Adelaide Thunderbirds signed off the end of an era in style when toppling the Mojo Pulse 62-51 in Adelaide on Sunday.

In their best outing of the season, the Thunderbirds repaid long serving coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson and vice-captain Leigh Waddington in their final appearances for the team with a comprehensive final fling.

It was a different story for the visitors, the Pulse fighting to keep their hopes of playing in the New Zealand Elimination Finals alive.

The loss spelt an abrupt end to their season while also signifying retiring coach Robyn Broughton’s last match at the helm of the Pulse.

In the last matches for the only two surviving foundation coaches, it was the popular Woodlands-Thompson who came up with the winning master plan, the Thunderbirds delivering the perfect farewell.

The home team took off with a withering burst in the latter stages of the first quarter in a strong all-round team performance.

They continued in similar mode for the remainder of the match, leaving the Pulse in their wake and unable to make inroads.

There were no surprises in either starting seven, Amy Steel lining up at goal defence and Waddington, in her last game, at centre, for the Thunderbirds.

There was also a familiar look to the Pulse, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit getting the nod at goalkeeper with her fellow defender, captain Katrina Grant making her 100th ANZ Championship appearance.

The Thunderbirds struck decisively after breaking the early goal-for-goal duel, going on to deliver their most complete and dominant half of netball this season.

Pulse errors opened the door, the aerial transfer on attack proving costly as defenders Renae Hallinan and Steel swooped on the extra opportunities.

The home team provided slick timing and ball movement on attack, shooters Erin Bell and Carla Borrego all class with their accurate finishing under the hoop.

Too many turnovers and penalties left Pulse chasing the game, the Thunderbirds nailing home their dominance to take a telling 18-10 lead into the first break.

The Pulse introduced England import Ama Agbeze for Selby-Rickit on the resumption in attempt to rein in the influence of Borrego but it was the home team who continued to hold sway.

Bell and Borrego received a steady stream of quality ball, the Thunderbirds movement on attack continuing to impress while the Pulse struggled to make a similar impact.

Playmaker Jodi Brown was well contained by the tight-marking Steel adding to the Pulse’s problems.

Goal shoot Amelieranne Wells proved an accurate finisher under the post, nailing 16 goals from 16 attempts but her Pulse feeders could not get enough ball into her hands.

The visitors were unable to limit the Thunderbirds attacking momentum, the home team increasing their buffer to a 34-24 lead at the main break.

In a last ditch bid to save their season, the Pulse made a clutch of changes for the second half with veteran shooter Irene van Dyk coming off the bench and taking over from Wells while Joline Henry (centre) and Elias Shadrock (wing defence) switched positions.

As a result, the game opened up a bit more for the visitors, Grant and Agbeze picked off some defensive turnover ball while van Dyk, 42, in what could have been her last match at this level slotted a perfect 10 goals from 10 attempts.

However, the Thunderbirds retained their grip, punishing any slip-up from their opponents to take a handy 49-40 lead into the last break.

Thunderbirds shooting statistics:
Carla Borrego 42/47 (89%)
Erin Bell 20/25 (80%)

Pulse shooting statistics:
Jodi Brown 22/31 (71%)
Irene van Dyk 13/15 (87%)
Ameliaranne Wells 16/16 (100%)
Chemist Warehouse MVP: Carla Borrego (Adelaide Thunderbirds)

ENDS

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