Mwawi inspires Tactix to another win
Malawi’s netball icon Mwawi Kumwenda at the weekend inspired her New Zealand club Mainland Tactix to their first back-to-back victory since 2009.
Just like last week, Tactix won by a single basket after seeing off Central Pulse 58-57 in a pulsating ANZ Championship contest in Porirua.
“After a poor start which saw us winless in the first two games, it is relieving that we are now catching up.
“It was yet another tough game, but we played our lungs out,” said Kumwenda in an interview from New Zealand yesterday.
Following the win, Tactix have now moved a place up to second with five points from five games—four short of leaders Southern Steel.
“The incredible athleticism and elevation of Mwai Kumwenda and Bailey Mes led the Mainland Tactix to a thrilling 58-57 win over the Central Pulse,” reads part of anzchampionship.com report.
It further reported that Kumwenda and Mes dazzled as they found plenty of room to move and shared the shooting duties. Their athleticism and elevation proved impossible for the Pulse defenders to blunt. Mes scored 31 goals for the match, with Kumwenda adding another 26.
Tactix held a 17-15 lead at the first break. Then sped out of the blocks in the second, pouring on defensive pressure throughout the court to lead 33-25 at half-time. Tactix led 48-39 at the last break and looked to have the match under control.
But Pulse defenders Phoenix Karaka and Katrina Grant helped build the Pulse recovery. Grant and Karaka were well supported by Pulse wing defence Claire Kersten who made an impact when she came on to replace Jacinta Messer in the last quarter.
